Chinese Export Porcelain Vase Converted Table Lamp with Floral and Bird Motif
Decorative art, table lamp utilizing a ceramic porcelain vase mounted on a carved wooden base with fabric shade • Anonymous Chinese artisan or workshop, Export Ware
Style & Movement
Traditional Chinese decorative arts style, created for the Western export market
Medium & Technique
Hand-painted polychrome enamel overglaze (famille rose style) on high-fired white porcelain, mounted with electrical hardware and a pleated fabric shade
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century (likely 1960s-1980s export ware)
Dimensions & Format
Table lamp format, approximately 20 to 24 inches in total height including the shade, with the ceramic base measuring roughly 8 to 10 inches high
Subject Description
The ceramic base features a traditional Chinese motif depicting colorful birds perched among flowering branches, peonies, and rock formations, framed by decorative borders at the neck and base. The composition is classic for export porcelain.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The ceramic vase appears well-preserved, while the fabric lamp shade shows noticeable foxing, staining, and aging.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a decorative home furnishing item through mid-century import stores or estate sales, reflecting the mid-century popularity of converted Asian ceramics.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the widespread mid-20th-century trend of converting traditional and reproduction Asian porcelain vessels into functional Western lighting fixtures for interior decoration.
Notable Features
Mounted on a carved dark wood stand, typical of Asian porcelain lamp conversions, featuring intricate polychrome enamel floral and avian iconography.
Condition Issues
Yellowing, spotting, and foxing on the pleated fabric lampshade. Potential drilling at the base of the porcelain vase to accommodate electrical wiring, which is standard for such conversions but affects ceramic integrity.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace the damaged or stained lampshade with a contemporary or period-appropriate reproduction shade. Clean the porcelain base gently with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Have the electrical cord and socket inspected by a professional for safety.