Petite 19th-Century French Bouillotte-Style Brass Lamp w/ Painted Tole Shade - 16½"

This charming late 19th-century bouillotte-style lamp captures the understated elegance of French décor with its solid brass construction and delicately hand-painted tole shade. The petite form features two candle-style lights. The adjustable shade, with its timeworn scroll motifs in muted greens and reds, adds both practical function and distinctive character, celebrating the lamp’s unique, slightly quirky appeal.

Bouillotte lamps take their name from the popular 18th-century French card game “Bouillotte,” for which they were originally designed to provide adjustable, focused light on gaming tables. This tradition evolved into a timeless form, combining classical lines with a movable shade to control brightness.

This example showcases that heritage beautifully, with its painted tole shade displaying a softly aged patina that speaks to generations of careful use. Place this lamp on a side table, console, or writing desk to bring a touch of classic French charm to your space.