Antique early 20th century bouillotte brass and enamel 3 bulb ceiling light

Antique early 20th century bouillotte brass and enamel 3 bulb ceiling light. This exquisite light, I believe, is a French bouillotte light. It has a stunning aged look ( will require a full rewire and pat test which once done, I believe could mean it to be worth significantly more!).

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Some age related wear. A beautiful brass band, stunning black and white enamel interior, adjustable with hooks. I have shown a very simple picture of the light hanging. It does not really do it justice. In the right room it would look amazing!!!

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44 cm round light shade

80 cm full drop approx

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The Bouillotte lamp originated in 18th-century France as a functional and elegant accessory for the popular card game called bouillotte, which was a French gambling game similar to Brelan and the ancestor of poker. The lamp features a central shaft with adjustable candle holders or sockets and a sliding lacquered metal shade, with a reflective interior to concentrate light for gameplay and a small dish or gallery at the base to hold tokens or chips. Named after the game it served, the lamp provided a soft, focused light for the table and became a significant design element in both French and American interiors during the 19th and 20th centuries, symbolizing refined taste and enduring craftsmanship.

Origin and Purpose

The Card Game: The bouillotte lamp's history is intertwined with the 18th-century French card game of the same name, bouillotte.

Game Table Accessory: The lamp was specifically designed as a practical and beautiful object to use at a small, often marble-topped, table for playing the game, according to Lorfords Antiques.

Gameplay Features: A key feature is its adjustable shade on a sliding shaft, allowing players to raise or lower it to suit the height of the candles or the intensity of the light. The base often included a small dish to hold game tokens or chips, which was practical for gameplay.

Design and Evolution

Structure: The lamp typically features two or more candle (or lamp) holders on a round, decorative base, with an adjustable, sliding shade on a central shaft.

Materials: The shades were traditionally made from metal and painted to be opaque on the outside but highly reflective on the interior to maximize light. The bases were often made of brass or gilt bronze.

Aesthetic Styles: The style evolved from the ornate Louis XV style of the 18th century to the more restrained Empire style in the 19th century, incorporating motifs like laurel and olive leaves, notes Invaluable.com.

Legacy

Enduring Popularity: The bouillotte lamp became one of the most famous design products, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and has remained a popular and coveted decorative item.

Symbol of Taste: Its enduring popularity and sophisticated design have made it a symbol of refined European taste and a timeless fixture in interiors, says Invaluable.com.