Are these lamps converted from old vases?

Many mounted porcelain table lamps began life as decorative vases, ginger jars, or oil lamps before receiving electrical fittings. Craftsmen adapted these vessels by mounting them on metal bases and adding hardware for modern domestic use.

How do I identify French mounts on Chinese porcelain?

French mounts typically follow styles like Neoclassical or Rococo Revival, featuring cast bronze, ormolu, or gilt trim fitted tightly around the rim and base of the ceramic vessel. These metal elements reflect European taste applied to imported Asian porcelain bodies.

What periods do these lamps come from?

The available lighting spans the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, with a strong concentration of nineteenth-century production. Specific dates or periods often relate to the style of the ceramic body or the associated European mounting work.

How should I care for a mounted lamp?

Dust the porcelain and metal mounts gently with a soft cloth to avoid damaging hand-painted enamel or gilt surfaces. Keep the lamp away from direct sunlight to preserve the colours of both the ceramic body and any fabric shades.