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Chinese Lamps & Lights

Beautiful Chinese porcelain jars were often converted to lamps rather than used to contain foods and spices. These jars were created during the 19th century in China for export due to a high demand for porcelain jars in Western regions like Europe. Chinese lamps were also created from lacquered wooden statues and other past exported goods, and often sit in homes as hidden treasures.

As early as 259 B.C., China began making candles out of whale fat. During this time, candlestick holders were created as well. These were made out of materials like metal, porcelain, and jade.

Candlestick holders in China were treated very sculpturally and often took on the form of birds, famous historical figures, or flowers. Other simpler candlestick holders were treated more minimally and were created from porcelain or wood, but decorated with natural motifs or sometimes left plain in order to showcase the material used.


Quick Facts

  • Chinese lamps were converted from jars without knowledge of their high value. Many of these lamps were converted from ancient imperial porcelains
  • In ancient China, candlestick holders were placed as lights within tombs so that the dead might see in the dark during the afterlife
  • Some Chinese lamps were once porcelain temple urns. These jar lamps usually consist of the entire jar and domed lid adhered to a wooden stand. The jar is then pierced on top and bottom so that wiring and metalwork for the lamp may be added

Recommended Items at Auction

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A pair of Chinese celadon glazed candle stick holders (H:11.5cm)
Feb 20, 1:00 PM AEDT
A pair of Chinese celadon glazed candle stick holders (H:11.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD706 Bids
Pair Chinese Brass Table Lamps, H: 43 in. (109.2 cm.)
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
Pair Chinese Brass Table Lamps, H: 43 in. (109.2 cm.)
by Weschler's
Est: $30- $50
$253 Bids
A PAIR OF CYLINDRICAL FO-LION PORCELAIN VASES MOUNTED AS LAMPS
Feb 20, 10:00 AM CET
A PAIR OF CYLINDRICAL FO-LION PORCELAIN VASES MOUNTED AS LAMPS
by Nagel Auction
Est: €200- €300
€1102 Bids
Chinese Crackleware Porcelain Vase Mounted as Lamp
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Chinese Crackleware Porcelain Vase Mounted as Lamp
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $100- $200
$251 Bid
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Paar Tischlampen, wohl China-Porzellan mit Blaumalerei, Gesamt H-60 cm
Mar 01, 11:00 AM CET
Paar Tischlampen, wohl China-Porzellan mit Blaumalerei, Gesamt H-60 cm
by Auktionshalle Cuxhaven
Est: €0- €0
€1001 Bid
PR CHINESE PORCELAIN LAMPS WITH ORMOLU MOUNTS
Feb 22, 11:00 AM EST
PR CHINESE PORCELAIN LAMPS WITH ORMOLU MOUNTS
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $400- $600
$1001 Bid
CHINESE CHERRY BLOSSOM VASE TABLE LAMP
Feb 22, 11:00 AM EST
CHINESE CHERRY BLOSSOM VASE TABLE LAMP
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $300- $400
$501 Bid
Gilt composite table lamp with Chinese lady (36cm)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
Gilt composite table lamp with Chinese lady (36cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD151 Bid
Pair Chinese Enameled Porcelain Vases Mounted as Lamps Florals
Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
Pair Chinese Enameled Porcelain Vases Mounted as Lamps Florals
by Taylor & Harris
Est: $500- $600
$4000 Bids
A COMPOSED LOT OF FIVE ORIENTAL AND CHINESE VARIOUS DECORATED BRASS AND BRONZE OBJECTS
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
A COMPOSED LOT OF FIVE ORIENTAL AND CHINESE VARIOUS DECORATED BRASS AND BRONZE OBJECTS
by Ostantix Auctions
Est: €250- €300
€2200 Bids
Chinese Plique a Jour and Reticulated Vase Lamp
Feb 22, 9:30 AM EST
Chinese Plique a Jour and Reticulated Vase Lamp
by Luban Antique
Est: $50- $200
$200 Bids
Chinese Pewter & Brass Vase Mounted Lamps, Pair
Mar 06, 11:00 AM EST
Chinese Pewter & Brass Vase Mounted Lamps, Pair
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $400- $600
$1000 Bids
Chinese Style Blue & White Porcelain Vase Lamp
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Chinese Style Blue & White Porcelain Vase Lamp
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $100- $200
$250 Bids
Chinese Double Gourd Porcelain Vase as Lamp
Mar 13, 11:00 AM EDT
Chinese Double Gourd Porcelain Vase as Lamp
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $100- $200
$250 Bids
Pair Chinese Yellow Enameled Porcelain Vases Mounted as Lamps, Wood Mounts
Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
Pair Chinese Yellow Enameled Porcelain Vases Mounted as Lamps, Wood Mounts
by Taylor & Harris
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
Chinese Large Porcelain Baluster Vase Mounted Lamp
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Chinese Large Porcelain Baluster Vase Mounted Lamp
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $200- $400
$500 Bids
(2) CHINESE VASES WIRED AS TABLE LAMPS
Feb 22, 11:00 AM EST
(2) CHINESE VASES WIRED AS TABLE LAMPS
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $800- $1,200
$2500 Bids
Chinese Ceramic Bird Lantern
Feb 26, 10:00 AM EST
Chinese Ceramic Bird Lantern
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $200- $400
$1250 Bids
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A FINE FAMILLE VERTE CRANE PATTERN PORCELAIN CANDLESTICK
Mar 01, 10:00 AM EST
A FINE FAMILLE VERTE CRANE PATTERN PORCELAIN CANDLESTICK
by William's Auctions, LLC
Est: $120- $180
$600 Bids
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PAIR OF BRONZE CANDLESTICKS
Mar 02, 10:00 AM EST
PAIR OF BRONZE CANDLESTICKS
by William's Auctions, LLC
Est: $100- $150
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Chinese Lamps & Lights


Auctions at Showplace

Auctions at Showplace

Eldred's

Eldred's

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries