Florentine gilders worked in a technique centuries old: solid carved wood laid first with a red clay ground, called bole, then covered in gold leaf burnished to a shine — a method chosen precisely because the red shows through as the gilding wears, ageing into exactly the warm, uneven glow collectors look for. This lamp is built in that tradition: a turned and hand-carved wooden column, gilded over red bole, finished at its crown with a faux candle sleeve modelled with dripping wax.
The carving is the piece to study here. Two bulbous sections are worked in overlapping acanthus leaves, carved in relief rather than moulded — the fold and curl of each leaf catches light differently depending on the angle, which is the tell of hand carving over a cast reproduction. The wear pattern reinforces this: in the places where the gold has thinned with handling, the red bole shows through beneath it, the natural result of genuine age rather than a distressed finish applied afterward.
The lamp is fitted with its original electrical components from the Spanish maker Simon, and is in working order. Whoever owned this lamp kept it carefully — the gilding and carving are in excellent condition throughout for a piece of this age, with wear limited to the expected soft thinning of gold at the high points. It would suit a sideboard, chest, or bedside table where its height and colour bring a touch of classic, Hollywood Regency-leaning glamour to the room.
This lamp is wired and in working order. For US customers, a US-compatible plug can be fitted at no extra cost.
Every item is packed by hand in a workshop in the Netherlands, wrapped carefully in protective paper and sent with care to ensure it arrives safely. Shipping is free, worldwide, to your door. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
DETAILS
Height: 40 cm (15.7 in) — ideal for a sideboard, chest, or bedside table
Material: Carved solid wood, gold leaf over red bole
Electrical: Original Simon fittings, working
Condition: Excellent for age — light, even thinning of gilding to high points, revealing red bole beneath
Sold without a shade — leaving you free to choose one that suits your room.
