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Antique French Louis XVI Bouillotte Lamp – Ormolu & Tole Shade Table Light
About the Item
Antique French Louis XVI Bouillotte Lamp – Ormolu & Tole Shade Table Light
This exceptional 19th-century French Louis XVI Bouillotte lamp embodies neoclassical refinement, combining ornate design with practical elegance. Expertly crafted from ormolu (gilded brass), the lamp rests on a striking three-arm base, each arm elegantly scrolled in the form of a serpent—a classical symbol of wisdom, protection, and eternity, frequently used in decorative arts during the neoclassical and Empire periods.
Above, a deep red tole (painted metal) adjustable shade completes the piece—designed not only for visual drama, but to functionally direct light downward. This lamp was originally candle-powered but has been sensitively converted to electric, preserving its authenticity while offering modern convenience.
The Bouillotte lamp takes its name from the 18th-century French gambling card game Bouillotte, a precursor to modern poker. These lamps were commonly placed at game tables to provide soft, focused lighting for players. The design typically featured a central stem with candleholders and a metal adjustable shade, known as a tole shade, which could be lowered as the candles burned down, minimizing glare and enhancing ambience.
The tole finish (hand-painted tin or metal) was a popular French decorative technique during the 18th and 19th centuries, prized for its elegance and adaptability to lighting design. Tole lamps became status symbols in well-appointed French salons and drawing rooms.
Ormolu (gilt bronze): A hallmark of high-quality French decorative arts, used here for luxurious detail and durability.
Serpent arms: Reflect neoclassical influences from ancient Roman and Greek symbolism, where serpents often signified guardianship and immortality.
Tole shade: Functional and artistic, its adjustable design offers directional lighting—true to its historic purpose at gaming tables.
This lamp is more than just a lighting piece—it's a functional work of art, deeply rooted in the decorative traditions of 18th and 19th-century France. A perfect addition to any antique collection, classical interior, or statement decor arrangement.
Condition Report
Very good antique condition, consistent with age and use
The painted metal (tole) shade retains its deep red finish, though shows signs of light surface wear, small chips, and paint loss, consistent with age. The adjustable mechanism functions as intended.
The lamp has been professionally converted to electricity, fully rewired and PAT inspection completed to UK standards
Measurement
Height: 56 cm / 22 inch
Width: 34 cm / 13.4 inch
Depth: 34 cm / 13.4 inch
Weight: 2.5 k.g. / 5.5 Ilbs
Cleaning, Polishing & Restoration
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods
- Dimensions:Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Diameter: 13.4 in (34.04 cm)
- Power Source:Plug-in
- Voltage:220-240v
- Lampshade:Included
- Style:Baroque (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1890
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Condition Report Very good antique condition, consistent with age and use The painted metal (tole) shade retains its deep red finish, though shows signs of light surface wear, small chips, and paint loss, consistent with age.
- Seller Location:Lincoln, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 109351stDibs: LU7210245004192
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
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