I understand this site to be predominantly US and as such maybe one of your members could assist. My enquiries in the UK have so far proved fruitless. This lamp base was given as a wedding gift in 1967 for a marriage taking place in London. It measures 30 x 19 x 8 cm and appears to be resin or a similar man made material with exception of the stem which I believe is brass.
The design, which is the same both sides, is certainly not English and I am keen to know if any member recognises either the pattern, manufacturer, or could perhaps suggest a value, stateside, of such an item.
Many thanks.
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You are right the design is not from London. This is from the South Pacific and one of the islands there in the South Pacific. I have seen these tiki figures from different islands in the area. I live in French Polynesia and here we have a few of these images. I want to say Tonga or somewhere near there. There are so many islands in the south pacific and most of the people migrated to these islands by canoe.
I'm sure it is Polynesian but not like most of the 'tiki' god statues I've seen.
Most images you see are of horror, contorted faces but I have seen similar to yours on other things.
If you will post a picture of the full lamp someone on this site may be able to furnish more information.
this is the whole lamp with original shade. thanks for your advice. will check out the other sites.
Thanks for the extra picture (it's pretty dark but okay).
Sideways - Is the lamp narrow or is the lamp square?
Just want everyone to know what they're looking for.
hey thanks for your interest and help. it's 8cm's at the bottom of the base tapering to 4cm's at the top. Pattern same both sides.
Just spoke to my folks and it actually came from an East London independent retailer in 1968 costing 5 GBP which equates to 74.65 GPB / 97.75 USD now...
By the 1960s many local Pacific Islanders had migrated to Europe and settled in London and also France. This could easily have been made in Europe like you are saying but the model of the lamp and the design is Pacific Islander for sure. I also know during WWII one of the islands here in the Tahitian Peninsula was occupied by the Americans who also adapted a lot of the culture of the islands. Many of the older generations of artists left the islands right after the war because they wanted to continue on with their art and the influence of the churches here were stopping them so they left the islands and migrated to Europe.
Thanks for sharing what you learned! This is so cool! A nice piece of mid century modern art. Are you selling it? Be very careful if you to do pack it well (I would double box if you are shipping.)
Thanks for sharing!! Such a neat find!
Be sure to post your pictures on these sites and let us know if someone offers information.
Hi Cybergrannie, I contacted the Ancient History Encyclopaedia Europe, who informed me the design is most likely inspired by Mesoamerican imagery. They suggested the standing figure is likely Inti or Viracocha and the creature below him, the feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl.
hey Pghggirl40, thanks for your comment. The design origin is solved. See my reply to cybergrannie. Decided to keep it for now as I agree, it's pretty cool...best from London MJ
This is definitely Indonesian type lamp. I could not find the exact lamp. You could take it to a antiques seller /dealer for help in your area. Or send pictures and any info if you have it. Here are some similar others - www.bing.com/
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