Pair of Italian Baroque Style Carved & Polychromed Wood Urns, Now as Lamps

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Pair of Italian Baroque-Style Carved & Polychromed Wood Urns, Now as Lamps
Italy, mid-20th century, in the Baroque taste

A … Read more Pair of Italian Baroque-Style Carved & Polychromed Wood Urns, Now as Lamps
Italy, mid-20th century, in the Baroque taste

A richly sculptural pair of Italian Baroque-style urns, hand-carved in wood and retaining a deeply layered, timeworn polychrome surface, now professionally converted into table lamps. Each urn is conceived in the grand Baroque tradition, with a swelling ovoid body carved in bold, scrolling foliate relief, rising from a flared stem and set on a square pedestal base. The carving is vigorous and architectural, designed to catch light and shadow across every surface.

The original polychromy has mellowed beautifully over time, revealing a complex palette of warm ochres, umbers, and softened earth tones. Areas of wear, abrasion, and exposed ground are consistent with age and contribute to the objects’ strong sense of authenticity and decorative depth rather than detracting from their presence. The urns read as sculptural objects first and foremost, even before illumination.

Each urn has been sensitively mounted as a lamp with a turned blackened wood neck and newly installed brass socket. The lamps have been professionally rewired for modern use, allowing them to function comfortably in contemporary interiors while preserving their historic character. Their substantial scale makes them ideal as statement lamps for console tables, chests, or pedestals, where they can be appreciated as both lighting and decorative sculpture.

This pair reflects the enduring influence of Italian Baroque forms well into the 20th century, when workshops continued to produce carved decorative objects inspired by 17th- and 18th-century models for grand interiors.

Dimensions (each):
30" H overall to top of socket
23" H to top of urn
Base: 8.5" square

Condition:

Good vintage condition. Original carved and polychromed surfaces show extensive, even wear, losses, and patina consistent with age and use. Newly rewired and ready for installation. Shades not included.

A dramatic and decorative pair of Italian Baroque-style urn lamps, offering bold carving, authentic surface patina, and strong architectural presence—ideal for collectors and designers seeking sculptural lighting with Old World character and scale. See less