Black & red ceramic table lamp by Marcello Fantoni, 1950s

Sculptural ceramic table lamp by Marcello Fantoni (1915–2011), Florence, 1950s. An open, biomorphic loop rises into two horn-like terminals, its heavily textured, lava-like black glaze cut through by recessed channels outlined in white and filled with a mottled red glaze breaking to grey. The form is closed at the top — conceived as a sculptural lamp base rather than a vessel — and reads differently from every side, the pierced centre framing the wall behind it. Glazed earthenware with a brass stem. Signed underneath in black, Fantoni, with ITALY and N° 5354 and a red painted code; a handwritten paper label bearing the same number remains on the side. Rewired with a new lampholder and twisted black fabric flex, and shown with a new white linen oval shade. Acquired from the Fantoni family. 65 cm high overall.

Condition

chiefly around the stem junction; light wear to the foot; no restoration evident. Rewired with a new lampholder and fabric flex; the shade is new, good vintage condition; scattered small pinpoint glaze losses and white flecks to the black glaze

Medium

glazed earthenware; brass stem

dimensions

65 cm high × 35 cm wide × 18 cm deep overall, with shade

date

1950s

Designer

Marcello Fantoni (1915–2011)

Reference

3360

Signed

painted in black to the underside “Fantoni”, with “ITALY” and “N° 5354”, and a red painted code; handwritten paper label to the side bearing the same number

Provenance

Acquired from the Fantoni family, 2023