Vintage Steve & Miky Cunningham Studio Pottery Sphere Ball Lamp, Iowa, Circa 1980s–1990s

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Vintage Steve & Miky Cunningham Studio Pottery Sphere Ball Lamp, Iowa, Circa 1980s–1990s

A beautifully conceived and organically satisfying example … Read more Vintage Steve & Miky Cunningham Studio Pottery Sphere Ball Lamp, Iowa, Circa 1980s–1990s

A beautifully conceived and organically satisfying example of American studio pottery converted to a functional table lamp, this perfect sphere form by Steve and Miky Cunningham of West Des Moines, Iowa combines the clean geometric purity of the ball form with a richly textured matte speckled cream glaze to produce a piece of quiet, confident modernist appeal. Steve and Miky Cunningham have been creating unique handcrafted studio pottery from their Iowa workshop since 1980, building a loyal following among collectors of American studio ceramics and handcrafted decorative objects.
The sphere form is as elemental and satisfying as ceramic forms get — a perfect round body in a beautifully textured matte cream and grey speckled glaze that catches light with a warm, organic vitality entirely in keeping with the natural aesthetic that defines the best American studio pottery of the period. The glaze surface has a pleasing sandy, stone-like quality that gives the piece a tactile richness and visual depth that rewards close examination. Signed with both the hand incised personal signature and the impressed "CUNNINGHAM ©" studio stamp on the base — a fully documented and authenticated American studio pottery piece.
Fitted with a working Leviton brass socket and original cord, the lamp is fully functional and ready to use with the addition of a shade of the new owner's choosing — a simple drum or globe shade in linen or white would complement the organic cream glaze beautifully and create a warm, inviting bedside or accent lamp with genuine studio pottery credentials.
At 6 inches across and 8 inches tall including the lamp fitting this is a compact and perfectly scaled accent lamp — ideal for a bedside table, shelf, or desk, and equally appealing displayed as a decorative object without a shade.
Dimensions: 6" diameter × 8"H including lamp holder
Maker: Steve & Miky Cunningham, West Des Moines, Iowa
Marks: Hand incised personal signature and impressed "CUNNINGHAM ©" studio stamp
Origin: Iowa, American, Circa 1980s–1990s
Condition: Lamp holder fully functional; minor wear and estate soiling consistent with age; no chips or cracks See less