How do I date a lamp?

Examine the materials, base construction, and painting style to determine the period. Porcelain pieces often align with Qing Dynasty styles, while standard lamps frequently date from the Edwardian era or the nineteen-twenties. Wiring and fittings can also offer clues, though many older vases have been converted to lamps in recent decades.

Were these always lamps?

Many ceramic examples started life as ginger jars, ginger pots, or vases before conversion into table lamps. Standard lamps and wooden pieces were built as lighting fixtures from the beginning. Converting antique vessels became popular in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to utilise decorative porcelain in domestic interiors.

How do I care for lacquer?

Dust lacquered wood gently with a soft, dry cloth to protect the painted surface and gilt details. Avoid harsh cleaning products and keep the lamp away from direct sunlight. Silk and fabric shades require careful brushing or light vacuuming with a low-suction attachment.

What is Kashmiri work?

Kashmiri lamps on this page utilise painted wood and papier-mâché techniques originating from India. They feature intricate green, gilt, and multi-coloured patterns. These pieces emerged in the early twentieth century alongside European chinoiserie standard lamps.