A Pair of 20th Century Red Tole Vase Lamp Bases

A pair of mid-20th century red painted tole lamp bases, taking the form of classical vases and decorated with a Greek Key motif if gilt leaf.

These lamp bases take the Empire or Regency Period tole chestnut urn for their inspiration. Tole (painted tin) has been used as a medium for interior decoration since the late eighteenth century. In the first three decades of the 19th century it became extremely fashionable and an entire industry of artists came into being, producing fantastical objects which adorned the chimney pieces and salon tables of some of Europe’s grandest residences.