Vintage French Vallauris Ceramic Glazed Fish Table Lamp

Vintage table lamp made of brightly painted and shiny glazed ceramic in the shape of a fish, produced in Vallauris, France, most likely during the 1950s or 1960s. These types of "kitsch" lamps were popular souvenirs sold in coastal towns across Europe during that time.  Signed with "Villauris" under the base. 

This wonderfully colourful and fun table lamp features a double-aperture of underwater aquarium scenes featuring fish, starfish, shells and anemones in colours of gold, green, purple, yellow and white inside a brightly coloured glazed red fish with gold fins and tail.    

The French town of Vallauris, located on the Côte d'Azur near Antibes, has been a ceramics centre for centuries. Pablo Picasso lived and worked there from 1948 to 1955, and his prolific creation of ceramics during this "golden age" brought international attention to the town's artistic tradition. Other artists, including Marc Chagall, also worked with ceramics at the same workshop as Picasso.  Vallauris was known for ceramics long before Picasso's arrival, with pottery production dating back to Roman times.  Picasso's residency significantly elevated the town's profile and transformed its reputation. He worked at the Madoura pottery studio, creating thousands of original and editioned ceramic pieces.

In good vintage condition.  Some fading to the outer edges of the fins, mouth and tail but this could also be part of the design. No chips, cracks or crazing, which is rare considering how fragile it is and that it's over 60 years old. The lamp is due to be rewired by an electrician with a clear plastic flex and matching on/off switch along it.

Perfect to light a dark shelf or sideboard in most rooms of the home or in a child's bedroom as a night light.

Dimensions: Width: 35cm Depth: 13cm Height: 26cm