Each, designed in the Grecian manner, comprises an acanthus-wrapped 'krater' vase resting on an 'antique' lamp embellished with bacchic masks, and supported on a tripod plinth with lion monopodium supports. The lamps derive from engravings of lamp-stands found at Herculaneum which inspired the connoisseur Thomas Hope (d.18 ) in the furnishing of his house in Duchess Street. Related 'tripod stands' and lamp-'vases', engraved by George Smith in 1804 and 1805 were published in his Collection of Designs for Household Furniture, 1808, pls.111-112 and 141.

The bronzed pilaster stand, with bacchic lion-masks, relates to the plaster and metal oil lamps manufactured by William Bulloch (d.1843) of Liverpool, who opened his showroom 'The Egyptian Hall' in Piccadilly in 1812.