Wall lamp - Wood - Owl lamp

A wonderfully characterful handmade folk art owl wall lamp, most likely Dutch, made in between the 1930s and 1950s.

Funny and highly decorative little owl: part folk art, part Amsterdam School cousin, part watchful guardian with glowing green eyes.

This owl is made from lacquered wood, using different wood tones to create contrast and expression. The body is built up from geometric wooden sections: a pointed chest, pointed small lightbulbs as eyes, darker side elements and a scalloped base. Although clearly a folk art object, the design has a certain kinship with Dutch Art Deco and Amsterdam School furniture: strong symmetry, dark outlines, carved rhythm and a love for expressive woodwork.

The green eyes are painted lightbulbs (a later addition) , giving the owl a rather unforgettable stare when illuminated. It can be hung on the wall, making it a delightful accent piece for a hallway, reading corner, child’s room, cabinet wall or any interior that can handle a small wooden creature with personality.

At the back are handwritten instructions in old-fashioned Dutch, including the phrase “uit elkander nemen”, explaining how “to take apart ”.

The wiring has most probably been redone at some point. The lamp is in good vintage condition, with age-related wear, small marks and patina consistent with its age.

Dimensions: 40 cm high x 15 cm wide x 12 cm deep / 15.7 in high x 5.9 in wide x 4.7 in deep
Style: folk art, with Art Deco / Amsterdam School influence
Materials: lacquered wood, different wood types, painted lightbulbs
Mounting: can be hung on the wall
Condition: good vintage condition
Wiring: redone at some point but vintage