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

Details

Description

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

A charming … Read more Mid-Century Italian Ceramic Fish Table Lamp (Small Model) by Ivo De Santis for Gli Etruschi, Florence, c. 1955–65

A charming small-scale ceramic fish-form table lamp, designed by Ivo De Santis for the Florentine workshop Gli Etruschi (Italy, circa 1955–65).

This whimsical design depicts a stylized fish with a smaller companion fish below, hand-modeled in ceramic and finished with a white glaze and brown/oxblood accents around the fins, eyes, and mouth. The sculptural form is full of character, with playful asymmetry that reflects De Santis’s unique approach to figural ceramics.

Mounted on an asymmetrical wooden plinth base, the lamp retains its original hardware and wiring (rewiring recommended for modern safety). Its compact scale makes it especially versatile as a bedside lamp, desk light, or decorative accent, while still embodying the spirited mid-century Italian modernist style.

Dimensions:

11 in. overall height (to socket)

Ceramic sculpture: approx. 7 in. high × 7.5 in. wide × 4.5 in. deep

Base: asymmetrical, approx. 5–6 in. footprint

Condition:

Good vintage condition with light wear, small glaze irregularities, and minor surface marks consistent with age. Original wiring present; rewiring recommended.

Collectibility:

Ivo De Santis (1924–1994) was a leading designer for Gli Etruschi, Florence, known for imaginative and whimsical ceramic forms inspired by both nature and modern biomorphism. His fish lamps — produced in both large and small models — are among his most collectible designs. This smaller example pairs beautifully with larger versions, but also stands alone as a distinctive mid-century Italian design object. See less