Vintage Brass Bouillotte Table Lamp by Frederick Cooper with Long Black Tole Metal Shade shielding 2 Candelabra Arms Below. The Bouillotte lamp originated in the 18th century for a French card game called Bouillotte, a precursor to poker. These lamps feature a brass or bronze base with 2-4 candle arms and an adjustable metal tole shade that moved down as the candles burned down to reduce glare.