Vase-form Table Lamp with Chinoiserie Avian and Floral Motifs
Decorative Art; Ceramic table lamp with fluted body and matching finial component • Likely Italian (Deruta or Bassano region) or Portuguese (Coimbra/Lisbon) ceramic workshop manufacturing for the export market
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Traditional / Neo-Chinoiserie; influenced by 18th-century European faience and Delftware traditions
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware or porcelain; hand-painted in monochrome olive green over a white tin-glaze or slip, employing freehand brushwork techniques
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18-24 inches in height (excluding harp/shade); vertical fluted baluster format mounted on a stepped circular base
Subject Description
The composition features a central avian figure (resembling a crane or heron) amidst scrolling floral sprays, peonies, and foliage. The vessel is vertically fluted, with decorative scalloped bands and geometric floral borders near the neck and base.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the glaze remains vibrant with consistent color, though functional components (wiring) show signs of age and should be inspected
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as high-end home decor during the mid-20th century; typical of pieces retailed through department stores or interior design showrooms
Art Historical Significance
Represents the enduring popularity of 'Chinoiserie' in Western decorative arts, specifically the revival of monochrome faience styles for modern domestic interiors post-WWII.
Notable Features
The use of a specific olive-drab green monochrome palette is less common than traditional blue or manganese, suggesting a specific 1950s interior design trend.
Condition Issues
Possible crazing in the glaze (common for earthenware of this age), minor surface abrasions, and outdated electrical wiring that lacks modern safety grounding.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional rewiring for safety; cleaning with a damp microfiber cloth avoiding harsh abrasives; maintain in a stable UV-light environment to prevent yellowing of the base material.