Lamp - Gilt brass - Bouillotte lamp

The object shown in the image is a classic Bouillotte lamp, in French lampe bouillotte, an iconic lighting element with a history closely linked to the world of board games in 18th-century France.
The lamp owes its name to Bouillotte, a very popular gambling card game born in France during the reign of Louis XVI and remained in vogue throughout the 19th century. This game, considered one of the main ancestors of modern Poker, was played around specially designed round tables (the bouillotte tables).
The lamp was positioned exactly at the center of the table to ensure the same visibility for all players.
A Design Born from Practicality
Every detail of the Bouillotte lamp answered a precise practical need tied to long nighttime gaming sessions.
The height-adjustable lampshade: In the original candle versions, the shade (generally made of painted sheet metal or tin, to withstand the heat of the flame) was fitted along a central metal shaft. It could be lowered via a screw key as the candles burned down, preventing direct light from dazzling the players and keeping the illumination focused exclusively on the cards.
The “bowl” base: The heavy concave metal base (or equipped with small compartments) originally served to collect melted wax or to hold the chips and tokens used during bets.
The upper ring grip: The decorative ring or crown at the top of the structure allowed the lamp to be easily lifted and moved from one table to another.
With the advent of electricity, the old Bouillotte candelabras were converted by replacing candles with lamp holders shaped like candles and light bulbs, exactly like the vintage model in the photo. Although it has lost its original function at the green table, the Bouillotte lamp has survived through the centuries as a refined furnishing accessory, becoming a symbol of neoclassical elegance and Empire style highly appreciated in offices and salons around the world.
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