Lamp - Ceramic - 1980s Postmodern

Vintage sculptural table lamp depicting a seated gentleman in an armchair, Europe, circa 1980s.

Unusual and highly decorative figural lamp from the postmodern design period. The entire base is formed as a seated male figure relaxing in a large armchair, dressed in a jacket and tie and rendered in glossy black glazed ceramic.

A lamp fitting is incorporated into the rear corner of the armchair and is mounted on a brass-coloured collar. The sculptural modelling extends around the entire object, including the figure's face, clothing, shoes, arms and the upholstery of the chair.

The design is characteristic of the playful figurative decorative objects produced in Europe during the 1980s, with strong postmodern and Memphis-era influence.

Comparable black glazed ceramic figural lamps were produced by several European manufacturers during this period, including German ceramic firms, although no maker's mark has been identified on this example and it is therefore offered as maker unknown.

Period: circa 1980–1990
Style: Postmodern / Memphis-era decorative design
Probable origin: Continental Europe
Material: glazed ceramic, metal lamp fitting, electrical components
Colour: high-gloss black with brass-coloured fitting
Dimensions: approximately 20 cm wide and approximately 20 cm high including the present lampholder, based on the photographs
Maker: unidentified

The lamp is supplied as photographed, without bulb or shade.

Condition: good vintage condition overall with normal signs of age and use, including minor surface marks to the glazed ceramic, wear and oxidation to the metal lamp fitting and age-related wear to the electrical cable and inline switch.

For vintage electrical items, inspection by a qualified electrician is recommended before prolonged use.