Pair of Chinoiserie painted and gilt porcelain table lamps

The lamps are composed of porcelain vase-shaped bodies which have been finely parcel gilt and painted. The lamps’ circular feet are ringed by gilt bands, as well as parcel gilt blue and geometric red patterns. On their fronts, the vases feature detailed paintings of Chinese figures huddled around tables to read or write. Their reverses are painted with colourful depictions of exotic birds which are perched on flowers and set against white backgrounds. These paintings are contained within shaped deep blue frames which are parcel gilt with characters and motifs, and decorated with red trefoil motifs containing black characters. The sides of the bodies feature colourful flower paintings against white grounds.

Each vase-form body is fitted with two stylised geometric handles which are red in colour and are finely parcel gilt. The lamps’ waisted necks are ornamented with flower paintings against white backgrounds and geometric red bands. They are covered by gilt tops which are fitted with ormolu (gilt bronze) light fixtures.