Indian Brass Columnar Table Lamp, Perforated Mesh Column & Shade, 3-Way

You found it in the corner of a diplomat's study in New Delhi, or perhaps a trading house in Jaipur — the kind of room where the ceiling fan turns slowly and the afternoon light comes in amber through the shutters. The lamp was already there when he arrived, and it will be there when he leaves. Nobody remembers where it came from. Nobody needs to. A stepped, tiered disc base — the kind that belongs on a writing table next to a leather blotter and a glass of something cool — supports a tall cylindrical column articulated by three vertical brass straps caging a perforated mesh sleeve. The same fine-punched brass continues upward into the conical shade, alternating solid panels with framed mesh inserts. When lit, light pushes through the openwork in the column and the shade at once, dappling the walls in a pattern that reminds you, faintly, of lantern light on a veranda.

This is Indian export brasswork at its most considered — produced from the 1970s onward for the American and European decorator trade, drawing on classical column forms and finished to a deliberately warm oxidized patina rather than the aggressive polish that would have made it ordinary. It is heavy in the hand at nearly seven pounds. It does not apologize for its weight. The "Made in India" label remains on the felt underside, the only mark the maker left. Operates on a 3-way switch; tested and fully functional. Some things simply work.

CONDITION

Good overall; tested and working on its 3-way switch with no functional issues. Brass throughout carries a warm, even oxidized patina with minor surface marks and a small area of darker discoloration to one mesh panel on the column. Felt base intact.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 22½" H × 14" Diameter
• Weight: 6 lbs 13 oz
• Switch: 3-way
• Materials: Brass (shade and lamp base); perforated brass mesh panels
• Base: Felt-lined underside
• Marked: "Made in India" adhesive label to base underside; otherwise unmarked