Mid-Century Chinese Archaistic Hu Vase Table Lamp | Brass or Bronze

SINGLE SHIP due to size and weight. Will ship with the lamp shade disassembled from the lamp.

Bring a touch of Old World elegance and timeless Chinoiserie style into your home with this beautifully detailed vintage Chinese archaistic hu-style table lamp.

Inspired by ancient Chinese ritual wine vessels known as hu, this substantial lamp features a graceful pear-shaped body, flared neck, and decorative beast-head loop handles. Intricate raised cast-metal designs, including traditional taotie-style masks and geometric patterns, surround the vase, creating incredible texture and craftsmanship.

During the mid-20th century, Chinese-inspired furnishings became especially popular in American interiors. Designers such as James Mont helped popularize dramatic Asian-inspired forms, ornate metalwork, and richly patinated finishes. This lamp reflects that distinctive Chinoiserie aesthetic, combining ancient-inspired design with classic vintage lighting.

Believed to date to the 1950s–1970s, this is an exceptionally substantial piece for its size. Standing just 13 inches tall without its shade, the lamp weighs approximately 5 pounds!

The heavy cast-metal body is believed to be brass or bronze, featuring a rich, darkened patina with warm golden metallic tones visible throughout the raised decorative details. The metal has been tested with a magnet and is nonmagnetic, a characteristic consistent with traditional copper-based alloys such as brass and bronze. While the exact metal composition has not been professionally verified, its substantial weight, metallic appearance, and intricate casting suggest a well-crafted decorative piece.

The vase rests on a dark wooden pedestal and features vintage brass-toned hardware, a brown electrical cord with an inline switch, and a complementary off-white fabric shade.

This is one of those statement pieces that brings character and history-inspired design into a room. Beautiful on a traditional sideboard, library desk, entryway table, or tucked into a thoughtfully collected vintage interior.

Details

• Style: Chinese archaistic hu-style vase table lamp
• Estimated Era: Mid-20th century, approximately 1950s–1970s
• Material: Heavy cast metal, believed to be brass or bronze
• Metal Characteristics: Nonmagnetic, consistent with copper-based alloys
• Finish: Rich dark patina with warm golden brass and bronze tones
• Design: Raised taotie-style masks, geometric patterns, and dual beast-head loop handles
• Base: Dark wooden pedestal
• Hardware: Vintage brass-toned fittings
• Shade: Off-white fabric shade included
• Cord: Vintage brown electrical cord with inline switch
• Lamp Height Without Shade: 13 inches
• Overall Height With Shade: 19 inches
• Weight: Approximately 5 pounds
• Quantity: One lamp
• Shipping: Single-ship item due to its substantial weight and delicate shade

Vintage Condition

Great vintage cosmetic condition with age-appropriate patina and minor surface wear consistent with its estimated age. The intricate cast-metal detailing displays beautifully, and the darkened finish adds to its authentic vintage character.

The off-white fabric shade is included and complements the lamp’s traditional styling. Vintage electrical components are present. Electrical safety has not been professionally verified, and inspection by a qualified electrician is recommended before use.

Please review all photographs for a closer look at the details and condition.

A beautifully substantial piece of vintage lighting for anyone who appreciates Chinoiserie, traditional Chinese-inspired design, and the timeless charm of a collected-over-time home.