Monumental Mid-Century Viúva Lamego Portuguese White Glazed Ceramic Finial, 48.5”

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Monumental mid-century architectural finial by the historic Portuguese ceramics manufacturer Viúva Lamego of Lisbon, executed in glossy white glazed ceramic … Read more Monumental mid-century architectural finial by the historic Portuguese ceramics manufacturer Viúva Lamego of Lisbon, executed in glossy white glazed ceramic and standing an impressive 48.5 inches tall.

Highly sculptural and architectural in scale, the piece features an elaborate urn-form base with deeply modeled acanthus leaves, a tall fluted body, ornamental scalloped collars, a spiraled upper shaft, and a sculptural bud finial. The dramatic form reflects the Baroque and Neoclassical vocabulary frequently associated with Portuguese architectural ceramics.

The bottom side bears the impressed Viúva Lamego “V.L.” maker’s mark with “LISBOA” and “PORTUGAL,” as well as the clearly impressed number 404, believed to be a mold or model number.

The finial is constructed in two substantial ceramic sections. The upper section lifts off and seats atop a molded ceramic threaded-style neck. The piece is hollow ceramic construction, consistent with an object of this monumental scale.

At just over four feet tall, this is an unusually large and dramatic example of Portuguese decorative ceramics. Its architectural proportions and glossy white glaze give it considerable versatility as a statement piece in a grand entry, foyer, conservatory, sunroom, garden room, covered loggia, or as a sculptural floor accent. The crisp white glaze also lends itself beautifully to Hollywood Regency, Palm Beach, Mediterranean, Neoclassical, and contemporary interiors.

Maker: Viúva Lamego, Lisbon, Portugal
Period: Mid-20th century, circa 1950s
Model/Mold No.: 404
Material: Glazed ceramic
Color: Glossy white
Construction: Two-piece hollow ceramic

Dimensions: 48.5” H × 14” W × 14” D

The faint impressed maker’s mark was identified under magnification and raking light as V.L. / LISBOA / PORTUGAL.


Key words
urn, architectural ornament, garden ornament, decorative urn, floor sculpture, Baroque, Neoclassical, Hollywood Regency, Palm Beach, Lisbon, Portugal, Viúva Lamego, monumental ceramic See less