Carom billiards (or French carom), pool, three-cushion billiards, artistic billiards …
Despite sounding like a humorous interjection, carambola (carom billiards) is actually a recreational and sporting activity that just by its name, immediately piques curiosity for those unfamiliar with it.
To make a carom in billiards is to achieve, with a single shot, the collision of one of the three balls against the other two. This might demystify the game somewhat, but when the rules dictate that the ball must rebound once or twice on the table (which lacks the pockets of pool and snooker) before striking the third ball, it becomes, at the very least, challenging!
It may not be the most popular game in Portugal, but it has certainly been played for much longer than football, and although initially a favourite of the aristocracy, by the 18th century it was already played beyond these social circles and had effectively become popular, present in many cafes in Lisbon at the time.
Untitled. Unknown author. 1899. Art Institute of Chicago. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Even in the Ramalhete house in "The Maias" (1888) by Eça de Queirós (1845–1900), in the room adjacent to the smoking room, you see, there was a billiard table, under some porcelain lamps! And also, the emancipated Maria Monforte, at the Arroios house, outplayed the great cue of the time, D. João da Cunha.
It was in 1930, in the city of Porto, that the Portuguese Federation of Billiard Amateurs was established. A significant event that justifies the plaque inscribed with that date on our Carambola Pendant Light. Its design with two arms and two shades is perfect for illuminating any table — whether with or without pockets.
Close-up of the 1930 plaque fixed to the Carambola suspension light, in the Almond with Brushed Brass finish. © After Hall 2024
The Cordovil finish, with the interior in Antique Brass, instantly transports us to a classic game room, with that dark and refined atmosphere where, perhaps, it was still permissible to make an elegant shot with a big cigar in the corner of the mouth. For a more contemporary and multifaceted environment, the Almond finish, with the interior in Brushed Brass, continues to embody timeless design and stands out for its lighter and more sophisticated tones, ensuring a touch of gracefulness to any space it occupies.
Available finishes: Cordovil with Antique Brass (left) and Almond with Brushed Brass (right). © After Hall 2024
The importance and impact that this game had on Portuguese society, which by the mid-20th century was present in many cultural and recreational collectivities, guilds, cultural clubs, and associations, is undeniable. And who doesn't appreciate the atmosphere of a game room? The charm of the woods, the pendant light over the billiard table, a gathering of friends, relaxed conversations with a drink in hand, and the excitement of witnessing an unexpected carom shot from that friend who had never played before. Isn't it fascinating?
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Cover photo: Tübinger Studenten beim Billardspiel (Tübingen Students Playing Billiards). Unknown Author. Early 19th century. Municipal Collections of Tübingen. Source: Wikimedia Commons.