Trumpet Lamp

Item: Chinoiserie-Style Trumpet Lamp
Category: Lamps and Chandeliers
Medium: Porcelain body with brass top and base
Condition: Excellent
Size: 26" H x 6" W x 6" D
Weight: 7.2 pounds
History: Found at a thrift store
Price Paid: $6.00
For Sale: No

Description & Characteristics

This is a vintage Chinoiserie-style table lamp, featuring an intricately decorated porcelain body with hand-painted or transfer-print Oriental motifs in an orange and white color scheme, commonly associated with 19th and early 20th-century Chinese export porcelain. The trumpet-shaped porcelain body is adorned with traditional figural and architectural scenes, which are characteristic of Chinese Famille Rose or Imari-inspired patterns.

The lamp is mounted on a brass base, with a matching brass top and finial that add an elegant, antique appearance. The pleated fabric shade complements the lamp’s vintage aesthetic, making it an attractive decorative piece.

Historical Context & Style Influence

• Chinoiserie design became popular in 18th-century Europe, with influences continuing into the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The porcelain body may be either an antique or vintage reproduction of traditional Chinese export porcelain, particularly from Japan (Imari style) or China (Canton porcelain).
• This type of lamp was often converted from vases, a practice popular in mid-century Europe and America.

Market Value & Current Appraisal

Based on similar Chinoiserie-style porcelain and brass lamps, value depends on age, quality, and provenance:

• Mid-20th Century Vintage Lamps (1950s–1970s) – $150 - $400
• Authentic Antique Chinese Export (Early 1900s) – $500 - $1,200+, depending on maker
• High-End Designer Chinoiserie Lamps (e.g., Chapman, Frederick Cooper, Marbro Lamp Co.) – $800 - $3,000

Given the unknown maker and thrift store origin, a fair estimated value range is $200 - $450 based on similar pieces in antique and collector markets.

Recommendation

Since the lamp is not for sale, here are some suggestions:

1. Authentication & Appraisal – If you suspect it may be antique Chinese export, consult an Asian art specialistor auction house like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or Bonhams.
2. Preservation – To maintain its condition, avoid direct sunlight and moisture, and clean brass components carefully.
3. Refurbishment – If you plan to use it regularly, consider rewiring for safety if the lamp has older wiring.

Conclusion

This is a beautifully crafted vintage Chinoiserie-style lamp with strong decorative and collectible value. Though it was a thrift store find, its actual market worth is significantly higher than the purchase price. If you ever choose to sell, an authenticated appraisal could increase its value further.