Pair, Italian Majolica Ceramic Artichoke-Form Table Lamps C. 1940

Details

Description

A visually commanding pair of sculptural table lamps, each modeled as an exuberant artichoke raised upon an architectonic ceramic pedestal. … Read more A visually commanding pair of sculptural table lamps, each modeled as an exuberant artichoke raised upon an architectonic ceramic pedestal. Executed in richly colored glazed earthenware, the lamps combine an emphatic naturalistic form with the saturated palette and vigorous surface treatment associated with the Italian majolica tradition.

Each lamp is surmounted by a large, ovoid artichoke composed of individually articulated, overlapping bracts. The repeated scales diminish progressively toward the crown, giving the bodies a convincing botanical rhythm and an animated sense of upward movement. Alternating glazes of deep cobalt blue and warm ochre create a bold harlequin-like pattern across the dimensional surface. The glossy glaze pools and modulates over the hand-modeled contours, producing subtle variations in color, density, and reflectivity that emphasize the sculptural character of each leaf.

The artichoke bodies rest upon molded ochre collars above spreading, baluster-form pedestals. These supports are decorated in cobalt blue, pale blue, ivory, ochre, and green with freely interpreted foliate and palmette ornament. The painted decoration recalls the ornamental vocabulary of Mediterranean ceramics, particularly the expressive floral and scrolling motifs associated with historic Italian and Iberian tin-glazed wares. Each pedestal terminates in a stepped, hexagonal plinth bordered in cobalt blue and punctuated by circular blue reserves against an ivory ground.

The strong geometry of the bases provides an effective architectural counterpoint to the organic mass of the artichokes. This contrast between botanical modeling and formal pedestal construction gives the pair a distinctly theatrical presence: decorative, sculptural, and functional in equal measure.

The lamps retain brass-tone socket assemblies with lateral switches and harp saddles. Clear electrical cords emerge through fitted openings in the ceramic bases. The visible hardware is subordinate to the ceramic composition, allowing the sculptural bodies to remain the principal visual focus. Presented without shades, the pair offers considerable flexibility for customization; tailored drum or gently tapered shades would complement their substantial proportions.

Each measures 21.5 in. H × 9.25 in. W × 8 in. D. See less