Pair of 19th Century Victorian Red Ceramic Table Lamps

A striking pair of Louis Philippe style facetted column lamps in richly glazed red ceramic, the architectural forms composed of tapering polygonal columns rising from stepped bases. The bold monochrome glaze and facetted geometry give the lamps a sculptural quality, balancing the classical restraint of the Louis Philippe taste with the more expressive decorative ceramics associated with late 19th century French production.

Possibly Vallauris, France, circa 1880–1900.

PAT tested to UK standards.

• H: 45 cm (17 3/4")
• W: 14 cm (5 1/2")
• D: 14 cm (5 1/2")

The distinctive glaze, vivid colouration, and facetted modelling bear similarities to works produced in Vallauris, and the lamps may possibly be attributable to the celebrated Massier family workshops, particularly Jérôme Massier. Jérôme Massier was among the most innovative members of the renowned Vallauris ceramic dynasty, noted for his experimentation with flambé glazes, metallic lustres, and richly coloured art pottery during the latter half of the 19th century.

While firmly rooted in the Louis Philippe tradition through their columnar form, the lamps also anticipate the aesthetic developments of later 19th century French decorative arts and would make particularly sophisticated accents in both traditional and modern interiors.