Broken Egg Sculpture Lamp in Alabaster by Marco Ricciardi, Italy, 1980s

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This sculptural lamp was handcrafted in Italy during the 1980s by the Tuscan artisan Marco Ricciardi. Carved from natural alabaster, … Read more This sculptural lamp was handcrafted in Italy during the 1980s by the Tuscan artisan Marco Ricciardi. Carved from natural alabaster, the composition represents a large, broken egg, with a fluidly contoured base that replicates the spilled egg white, a vibrant, hand-painted orange yolk, and two halves of white shell with carefully carved, irregular edges. The piece retains the workshop label on the back and the artist's signature.

One of the shell halves rests on the yolk, concealing the lamp holder and acting as a sculptural shade, while the other remains open beside it. When lit, the natural translucency of the alabaster allows light to pass through the shade, revealing the stone's veins and creating a warm, diffused illumination. The polished base, in soft cream and honey tones, contrasts with the whiteness of the shell and the glossy finish of the orange yolk.

Measuring 64 cm wide, the composition transforms an everyday motif into a playful sculpture with a trompe-l'œil effect. Its fluid contours suggest the movement of a freshly broken egg spreading across the surface, creating a striking contrast between the apparent fragility of the motif and the solidity of the carved stone. This combination of visual humor, enlarged scale, and functional sculpture defines its postmodern character. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution,
European Plug (up to 250V).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less