A Parisian Bouillotte Lamp

A French Empire style Bouillotte table lamp fitted with its original painted and parcel-gilt tôle adjustable-height oval lampshade. This sort of pressed metal lampshade found on desk lamps was used to shade the user's eyes from direct light. The lamp is designed so that light emanating from the light-bulbs is cast directly down onto the table-top surface by the reflective interior of the shade. The arms of the lamp-holders in the shape of swans' necks and heads, a symbol of Josephine Bonaparte. Area of Paris, circa 1930.