French Bouillotte Lamp, Gilt Brass Three-Arm Candelabra Base, Louis XVI Style, 1950s

A bouillotte lamp gets its name from a card game, not a decorator's catalog — bouillotte was the fast, high-stakes card game that dominated French card tables in the late eighteenth century, played under a cluster of candles clustered around a central rod. As the candles burned down, a player would turn a key to lower the shade with them, keeping the flame's glare out of everyone's eyes without anyone needing to get up from the table. This lamp keeps that same adjustable-rod mechanism, now wired for a bulb instead of candle flames.

The base follows the form closely: a reeded column rising from a domed, beaded-edge foot, opening into three curved candle arms, each fitted with its own drip tray — a detail carried straight over from the candle-era original, where actual wax needed somewhere to go. The cream fabric shade sits on the same sliding rod the original tole shades once used, topped with a cast ring finial, a signature detail of the form.

The brass has aged into a warm, even patina across the column and arms, and the fabric shade shows only the light, expected toning of a shade that's been in use rather than sitting new in a box. At 43 cm tall and 30 cm wide, it holds enough presence to work as a primary lamp on a console or desk rather than a background accent.

It arrives professionally packed and fully insured — we handle the paperwork and worldwide shipping, with your choice of plug fitted to your country at no extra charge. Returns are accepted within 30 days.

Details
Materials: gilt brass, cream fabric shade
Dimensions: height 43 cm (16.9 in), width 30 cm (11.8 in)
Style: Louis XVI style bouillotte form
Electrical: rewired and tested, plug fitted to your country at no extra charge
Condition: very good vintage condition, warm patina to the brass, light age wear to the shade
Shade: included, cream fabric

Condition details available on request.

Electrical details available on request.

Shipping details available on request.

Please see our returns policy.

Provenance details available on request.