Reviving History: Crafting New Lamps from Antique Treasures
Amitābha Studio's bespoke antique lamps: Arnhemsche Fayencefabriek vases (c.1910-1917) transformed. Art Nouveau meets Art Deco in functional art.
Amitābha Studio specializes in the artful transformation of antique vases into unique and exquisite lamps. Our article offers a deep dive into this intricate process, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship and passion infused into every one of our bespoke table lamps.
From Antique Vases to Elegant Table Lamps
We love giving a new lease on life to historical artifacts. Our unique lamps are not just lighting fixtures; they are a blend of history, art, and functionality. The process of transforming an antique vase into an elegant one-of-a-kind table lamp is an art form in itself, requiring skill, patience, and a deep appreciation for historical beauty.
The Unique Qualities of Amitābha Studio's Antique Lamps
Amitābha Studio's Costa Lamp: Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland Gouda vase (c.1910-1918) revived. Unique PZH abstract style meets contemporary craftsmanship.
Rare Finds, Carefully Curated
Our quest begins with the pursuit of rare and authentic antique vases. Each vase is a treasure, handpicked for its historical significance, beauty, and unique character. This painstaking process ensures that every unique lamp we create is not just a light source but a piece of history that illuminates your space.
In face, we actually make very few lamps. Why? Because we spend, some would say, an irresponsible amount of time and resources on each and every one! We meticulously select the antique vase bases, sifting through thousands to find the perfect match for our vision. We are super picky and don’t just choose any “Tom, Dick or Harry” that we see at a flea market. Each vase must have historical significance and be authentic. Each vase needs to be unique, to be beautiful, to have character and personality—we truly must fall in love with each vase before we choose it.
Authentic Antiques: The Soul of Our Antique Lamps
In the realm of antiques, authenticity is paramount. We take pride in our ability to trace the lineage of each vase base, identifying its origins from renowned Dutch and Belgian pottery factories. These antique vases, all at least over a century old, are then delicately transformed into one-of-a-kind table lamps, preserving their legacy. (Please note we also make vases from vintage lamps, for these, each vase must be at least 40 years old.) We don't use the term "antique" lightly. If an item is not certifiably over 100 years old with identifiable, researchable date markings or other indicators, we never claim it as an antique. And if there's uncertainty, we honestly state it.
Expert Restoration: Reviving History
Sometimes we will find a gorgeous vase that has been a bit bruised or damaged by having lived a rich and long life. In such cases, we collaborate with Wolfs Conservation, an exceptional restoration expert who also works with prestigious institutions like the Rijksmuseum and Christie's, to breathe new life into the vases, restoring them to their original state as much as possible. This meticulous process ensures that each lamp not only retains its historical value but also functions flawlessly in today’s modern interiors.
Daniel Harkink's 1920s sketchbook: Gouda pottery designs for PZH. Vibrant, hand-painted vases inspire Amitābha Studio's antique lamps. Picture from the book: Made in Holland: The Global Success of Dutch Ceramics.
The Art of Research: Unearthing Stories
Our passion for our lamps extends beyond their aesthetic appeal. We delve into the history of each vase base, uncovering the stories of the artisans and the eras they represent. This research adds depth to our creations, making each lamp a custodian of history. Through our detailed descriptions of each lamp, we aim to share and pass on our appreciation for this rich artistic tradition and heritage.
Attention to Detail: The Essence of Uniqueness
Every aspect of our lamps is crafted with precision and care. For example, the exact size and style of the 'neck' of each lamp, connecting the base to the lampshade, is uniquely chosen for each vase to best suit the vase's aesthetic.
Also, as much as possible, we avoid altering the vases in anyway, using innovative methods to integrate electrical components without compromising their integrity. This also ensures that the lamp can be returned to its original state as a vase in the future.
Custom Cut Brass: Precision Engineering
Our commitment to uniqueness extends to the smallest details. Custom cut brass coverings are tailored for each vase, ensuring a perfect fit and adding an extra layer of elegance to our unique lamps. Nothing is standard. We precisely measure each vase opening down to the millimeter with custom tools, then make an architectural drawing of it, and send it to our skilled brass-smith who brings it to life.
Amitābha Studio's bespoke designer lamp: Antique Boch Frères Keramis vase meets La Maison Pierre Frey's Tabriz fabric. Art Deco meets Ottoman Iznik inspiration.
Luxury Fabrics: Weaving Elegance
In our quest to create the most exquisite lamps, we select only the finest fabrics for our bespoke lampshades. Each fabric is handpicked for its ability to perfectly complement each lamp. Every detail matters: the material, color, texture, and pattern are all carefully considered. Our co-founder and creative director, who is also an interior designer, brings this world of experience to all our designs and grants us access to renowned design houses like La Maison Pierre Frey and Liberty of London. These fabrics add luxury and sophistication to our special lamps.
Lampshade Design: A Symphony of Light
The lampshades on our lamps are not just accessories; they are key elements of the design. Each shade is bespoke— custom designed and handcrafted. We meticulously choose the precise lampshade shape, also determining the ideal height, width, and depth down to the centimeter to perfectly harmonize with each vase base. We select the optimal color lining—white, gold, or platinum—to match the base and ensure the highest quality of light from the shade. Handcrafted by skilled artisans in an atelier near Amsterdam, each lampshade is a perfect harmony of shape, size, and color, designed to complement the base and enhance the quality of light.
Amitābha Studio's Hera & Erinona: 1690 Delftware vases transformed into bespoke lamps. Peacock-inspired design with Liberty of London fabric lampshades.
Color Matched Cords: Aesthetic Perfection
A testament to our attention to detail, we obsessively select cords that match the color palette of each lamp. This meticulous approach ensures that our lamps are beautiful from every angle, with every element in perfect harmony.
Unique and Beyond Compare: The Hallmark of Our Lamps
Each one of our antique lamps is unique. No two lamps are the same; each carries its own character and story, a functional piece of art that stands out in any room. Each of our lamps is truly one-of-a-kind with its own special character and qualities which can never be exactly replicated, a statement piece with a rich history behind all the stages of its creation.
Handmade with Love and Attention
From the initial selection of the vase base to the last detail of transforming it into an lamp, we pour our hearts into every step of the lamp making journey. Everything is done with tremendous love, care and attention. This passion is what transforms each antique vase into a unique creation, and we hope this warmth radiates into your home.
A Glimpse into a Special Creation
Each lamp in our collection tells a story, a narrative of its past and the journey it has undergone to become a centerpiece in your home. For example, this story of a very special lamp.
Amitābha Studio x Aronson Antiquairs: 'Mary', Delftware vase commissioned by King William & Queen Mary in 1695, now a bespoke lamp with shade in their royal colors: orange and white.
Collaboration with Aronson Antiquairs
As we mentioned, here at Amitābha Studio, the journey of crafting our lamps begins with a quest for historical treasures. This journey led us to a collaboration with the renowned Aronson Antiquairs of Amsterdam, known for their exquisite collection of 17th-century Delftware.
The Historical Significance of Mary
One of our most treasured antique lamps, named Mary, emerged from this collaboration. Believed to be commissioned by Queen Mary of England, a great admirer and patron of Delftware, Mary is a statement piece that epitomizes the essence of our work—a one-of-a-kind lamp, lovingly handcrafted from an authentic antique Delftware vase dating back to circa 1695. She stands proudly at a full one meter height!
Crafting Mary: A Fusion of Art and History
The vase base, marked with a six-pointed star and 'WB' for Dirck Witsenburgh, a notable Delft potter and partial owner of De Witte Ster (The White Star) factory, is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. Witsenburgh’s tenure from 1690 to 1704, though brief, was marked by the production of remarkably high-quality vases.
On one side of the vase, the coat of arms of the Creagh family of Ireland is meticulously painted, crowned with a helmet and a horse's head, flanked by elegant mantling. Below this emblem, the family motto, 'VIRTUTE ET NUMINE' ('By Virtue and Providence').
The vase's other side features the monogram 'WM' for King William and Queen Mary of England, suggesting a royal connection. This exquisite piece likely served as a diplomatic gift, now transformed into a remarkable antique table lamp.
Creagh family coat of arms on 1695 Delftware vase, now Amitābha Studio lamp. Motto 'VIRTUTE ET NUMINE' ('By Virtue and Providence').
The Artistic Details of Mary's Design
Adorning the rest of the vase are two angels flying on a phoenix, amidst peonies and a pierced rock, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. The intricate border of blue-ground lappets with blossoms, scrollwork, and masks adds to the vase's majestic aura.
The lampshade accompanying Mary, which we made from a delicate vintage two-toned orange crêpe silk sari from India with white trim complements this royal lineage, drawing inspiration from the colors of William of Orange and Mary of York, whose symbol is the white rose.
Preserving Historical Integrity in Modern Design
In transforming Mary into an antique table lamp, we ensured the preservation of its historical integrity. The brass top was custom cut to precisely fit the vase's shape, and a new orange cord with subtle blue stripes was added, enhancing its aesthetic appeal without altering its original form or damaging the antique vase in anyway.
A Light That Transcends Time
We warmly invite you to explore our collection. Each piece, a testament to history and artistry, awaits your discovery!
