Asian Child Lamp Appraisal

Vintage Asian Child Figural Display Lamp with American Flag

This is a vintage figural display piece, likely a lamp base, depicting an Asian child in a seated, cross-legged position. The figure appears to be constructed from a molded material such as plaster, chalkware, or ceramic, and is hand-painted. The primary colors are a yellow-tan for the skin tone, dark blue-black for the hair and garment, and red, orange, and white details on the clothing cuffs and neck, portraying traditional Asian attire. The child holds a small American flag on a slender wooden or bamboo stick in its right hand. The facial features are characteristic of period renderings, with black painted eyebrows, brown/black eyes, and red lips. A distinctive feature is the electrical cord emerging from the back of the figure's head, indicating its original function as a lamp base, intended to hold either a light fixture directly or serve as a base for a larger lamp assembly. The item shows significant wear consistent with its age, estimated to be at least 70 years old. There are numerous chips and areas of paint loss, particularly on the hair, nose, chin, hands, feet, and edges of the clothing, revealing the lighter substrate material beneath. The white speckles on the dark garment suggest either significant paint loss or a distressed finish. Despite the chips, the overall structure appears intact. The craftsmanship suggests a commercially produced item from the mid-20th century, common as novelty or decorative lamps during that era. The combination of an Asian child motif with an American flag hints at a specific cultural or historical context, possibly post-WWII or mid-century American-Asian relations. The exposed electrical cord and its exit point from the head are notable manufacturing details.