A Rare Chinese-Imari Table Lamp - Ch’ien Lung Reign - Circa 1750

Imari porcelain is the name understood in the West as Japanese porcelain made at Arita and exported through the port of Imari. From the mid 17th century the Dutch East India Company monopolised the lucrative export trade, supplying the insatiable European demand for porcelain.

It came to the attention of the Chinese porcelain makers at the vast Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen that Japanese Imari porcelain was in high demand in Europe. The Chinese makers were quick to realise the commercial success of the Japanese Imari style of decoration and by the early 18th century were producing a Chinese version of the Japanese Imari style.

Chinese-Imari pieces are typically less decorated than the Japanese originals with more white porcelain showing. Japanese Imari is usually all-over decorated, producing a much more “busy” style, however, in general, Chinese-Imari examples are more finely potted with a thinner more even glaze. The colour palette follows the traditional Japanese original, Rouge de Fer, or, iron red, under glaze cobalt blue and gilding.

The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co have just added this rare Chinese-Imari lamp to their collection. Pictured here is Maurice Robertson, principal of the company.

B040

A rare mid 18th century, Chinese-Imari, baluster shaped vase and domed cover as a table lamp. The lamp very finely decorated in the traditional palette of Imari enamels, iron red and under glaze cobalt blue with touches of pale salmon, a typical colour range of the period. The decorative subject of oriental flowers with a large central Peony. The decoration gilded.

The lamp on a finely turned maple wood stand, water gilded to a satin finish.

A very beautiful, mid 18th century lamp.

Ch’ien Lung Reign - Circa 1750

Overall height (including shade) 23″/59cm