Napoleon III Rococo Revival Emerald Glass Urn Table Lamp with Gilt Brass Mounts

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular confidence in a lamp that commands a room before it is even switched on. This table lamp, faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the Napoleon III Second Empire period (1852–1870), carries that authority in its deep emerald glass body — a column of vertically ribbed green glass that catches ambient light like a cut stone. The Second Empire court at the Palais des Tuileries elevated the decorative arts to theatrical heights, and this lamp draws directly from that vocabulary: the urn silhouette, the gilt mounts at the shoulder and waist, and the squared plinth base with claw feet all speak to a period that understood the lamp not merely as a light source, but as a sculptural object.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from deep emerald green glass, vertically ribbed to create a play of light and shadow across its surface. At the shoulder and midriff, handcrafted gilt brass mounts in foliate and acanthus motifs encircle the glass with precision — each leaf cast and finished individually before being fitted to the body. The base is a stepped square plinth in gilt brass, ornamented with chased acanthus panels on each face and raised on four scrolled claw feet, a form that echoes the heavy bronze plinths of original Empire-era candelabra. The neck and finial above are turned brass, connecting body to shade with period-appropriate proportions. The pleated off-white fabric shade softens the lamp's presence without diminishing its visual weight, filtering the light into a warm, directional glow suited to a side table, console, or reading corner.

Dimensions & Details

Weight: 4 kg. Shade diameter: approximately 40 cm. Bulb type: E27 (Edison Screw), maximum 60W. Voltage: 220V. Bulb count: 1. Switch type: On/Off Switch. The lamp is handcrafted in Egypt by Brass & Wood artisans and is available in multiple brass finish variants.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every lamp in the Brass & Wood collection is assembled by hand in Egypt, where a generation of craftsmen trained in classical European metalwork and glasswork techniques continues a tradition of precision finishing. The gilt brass components are individually cast, chased, and polished before assembly. This is not a mass-produced fixture — each piece carries the small variations that mark genuine handcraft. Customization in brass finish and shade color is available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this lamp made from?

The body is emerald green ribbed glass. The mounts, neck, finial, and base are handcrafted gilt brass. The shade is pleated off-white fabric. Total weight is 4 kg.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — typically attaching the shade to the fitted harp. No tools or specialist knowledge are needed.

Can this lamp be customized?

Yes. Brass finish variants (Gold, Silver, Antique Gold) are available as standard. Custom shade colors and alternative finishes can be arranged — contact Brass & Wood directly to discuss your requirements.