Pair of American circa 1940 Glazed Pottery Lamps with Applied Ivy Decoration

A striking pair of American glazed pottery table lamps dating to circa 1940, each featuring a softly rounded ceramic body finished in a pale turquoise-blue glaze. The lamps are particularly distinctive for their elaborate applied decoration, with naturalistically modeled ivy vines, leaves and curling tendrils extending across the upper portion of each vessel.

Raised rope-like bands encircle the bodies at the shoulder and midpoint, with modeled knots and loose ends adding further dimension to the design. The warm buff-colored applied decoration contrasts beautifully with the cool blue glaze and gives the lamps an appealing organic, almost trompe-l’œil quality. The ivy leaves are individually modeled with incised veining, while delicate coiled tendrils animate the composition.

Each pottery body is mounted on a circular antiqued brass-tone metal base (6.5″ diameter) and fitted with a coordinating metal cap and socket assembly. The pair has been rewired for use in the United States.

With their unusual combination of botanical ornament, textured pottery and soft coloration, these circa 1940 lamps would make distinctive bedside or living room lighting.

Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)

Diameter: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)