Sgraffito Lamp Appraisal

Studio Pottery Table Lamp with Sgraffito Decoration

This is a small- to medium-sized table lamp featuring a bulbous, ovoid ceramic base with a slightly flared foot. The primary material appears to be a type of stoneware or earthenware, glazed in a mottled, matte finish that graduates from a lighter greenish-blue at the base to a deeper sage green on the body. The surface is adorned with sgraffito decoration, a technique where a layer of slip or glaze is scratched through to reveal a contrasting color beneath. In this case, the design is executed in a lighter, possibly unglazed or differently glazed, tan/beige color, creating a striking contrast against the green background. The pattern includes organic, swirling abstract motifs and what appears to be a stylized bird or swan figure near the bottom. The sgraffito lines are hand-incised, indicating individual craftsmanship. Atop the ceramic base is a standard Edison screw lamp socket, made of a dark brown plastic or bakelite material. A single clear, frosted candle-flame shaped incandescent bulb is currently installed. The electrical cord, a two-wire type, is visible wrapped haphazardly around the upper portion of the lamp neck and socket. The cord appears to be an older, possibly original, beige or light brown color, exhibiting some wear and discoloration consistent with age. The overall condition shows signs of use and age, including potential dust accumulation and minor surface wear on the ceramic base and electrical components. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or repairs visible on the ceramic from the provided angles, but a closer inspection would be required to confirm. The lamp lacks a lampshade, which would typically sit on the socket or a harp. The aesthetic suggests a mid-20th-century studio pottery or artisan-crafted piece, possibly dating from the 1950s to 1970s, characterized by its handmade quality and distinctive decorative technique.