Italian Pottery Fish Lamp by Ivo De Santis for Gli Etruschi, Florence, Large

Details

Description

Mid-Century Italian Ceramic Fish Table Lamp by Ivo De Santis for Gli Etruschi, Florence, c. 1955–65

A whimsical and sculptural … Read more Mid-Century Italian Ceramic Fish Table Lamp by Ivo De Santis for Gli Etruschi, Florence, c. 1955–65

A whimsical and sculptural mid-century Italian ceramic table lamp, designed by Ivo De Santis for the renowned Florentine workshop Gli Etruschi (Florence, Italy, circa 1955–65).

This highly imaginative design takes the form of a large stylized fish with a smaller companion fish swimming alongside, rendered in white-glazed ceramic with hand-painted brown/oxblood detailing around the eyes, fins, and mouth. The expressive modeling and softly textured glaze capture the play of light across the rounded body, while the asymmetrical “mother and child” fish composition adds a lively, narrative quality.

Mounted on its original wooden base, the lamp retains its period socket and wiring (rewiring recommended for contemporary use). The sculptural form demonstrates the biomorphic modernism and playful naturalism that defined mid-century Italian decorative arts, drawing comparisons with the work of Marcello Fantoni, Guido Gambone, and Aldo Londi for Bitossi, though distinctly identifiable as Gli Etruschi with its unique blend of wit and craftsmanship.

Dimensions:

Overall height (to socket): 19.5 in.

Ceramic sculpture: 12 in. high × 16 in. wide × 9 in. deep

Base: 6 in. × 9 in.

(Additional smaller companion lamp: 11 in. high × 7.5 in. wide × 4.5 in. deep, with asymmetrical base.)

Condition:

Excellent vintage condition with expected minor glaze variations and light wear consistent with age. Original wiring present; buyer is advised to have the lamp rewired to meet current electrical standards.

Provenance & Collectibility:

Ivo De Santis (1924–1994) was a central figure in the Gli Etruschi studio of Florence, a collective celebrated for its bold and playful reinterpretations of natural and figural forms in ceramics. His works are widely collected, with pieces represented in important design collections internationally. Mid-century Italian figural ceramic lamps such as this are increasingly sought-after, prized for their sculptural presence and rarity. See less