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I don't know how to reverse the damage, but I would imagine that the heat from the bulb over the years has been a cause of the peeling. Switch to a lower-watt bulb to stop any further heat damage.

Good luck!

While the damage is irreversible and switching to a lower-wattage bulb (or to a cfl bulb) will result from further damage to your shade, one method (I can't think of any other) to repair it is to patch the holes. Think of the shade like any article of clothing; edges once torn deteriorate faster.

Even though it is impossible to restore to its original, either gluing or stitching rice paper on the interior will enhance the shade for a couple of reasons: a.) rice paper will diffuse lamp light; b.) greater character to the shade.

If you decide to use rice paper, or any other decorative paper, keep in mind the adhesive you use. If glue, choose a variety that will work with your shade and dries clear. If you decide to stitch, which would complement the stitching along the top and bottom of the lamp, choose a paper that's strong enough to hold the stitch (your lamp shade will be fine.) I would suggest, if you live in NYC, to check out the paper selection at NY Central Arts Supply on 11th St and 3rd Ave. They also sell bookbinding thread which is far more durable than regular clothing thread. If going the clothing thread route, due to the available wider color palette, double up on your thread for strength.

Perhaps you should find a conservator, probably one who specializes in Decorative Objects. They will give you an estimate of how much it will cost to restore it. I don't believe that the damage is irreversible or that the lamp is impossible to restore to its original, if placed in the hands of a conservator.

This may be heresy, but would it be possible to gently peel off the loose bits and color in the pattern with different colored Sharpies? I have solved many a decorating problem with Sharpies. You could also try some paint that can hold up to heat. It is a fabulous shade but it may cost a fortune to have it professionally done.

If you are not concerned about it's pure state, I'd find an artist friend to help out and try using acrylic paint or pastels to fill in the missing image chunks, at least enough to disguise the damage. Then I'd consider coating the whole thing with Modpodge or some other acrylic coating to hold everything together.