Mid-Century Ceramic Table Lamp Base by Alexandre Kostanda, Vallauris (circa 1960s)

Vintage ceramic table lamp base by Alexandre Kostanda, Vallauris, France (circa 1960s). The bottle-form body is finished in Kostanda's trademark natural clay and rustic style, but in this instance, with a mottled, speckled milky glaze that reveals the warm tones of the clay beneath. It is tactile and visually alluring, in keeping with the utilitarian yet sculptural quality for which Kostanda's work is known. In good overall condition. The maker's signature is impressed on the underside and stamped 'Vallauris'. Currently wired for use in Europe but can be modified where you are. Please note the shade is not included and is shown for illustrative purposes only.

Dimensions (Ceramic Part Only):

H 19.3 cm / 7.6"

Dia 10.5 cm / 4.1"

About the Artist: Alexandre Kostanda (1924–2007) was an apprentice to Louis Giraud in Vallauris, France, on the French Riviera. Kostanda later became head of the studio from 1949 to 1953, where his mother, Irène, had also worked for Giraud as a decorator. In 1953, Kostanda founded his own studio. He brought Cluny sandstone clay with him, which supported higher firing temperatures, mixing it with the soil from Vallauris. When others migrated towards bright, shimmering colours, Kostanda preferred to create with colours that retained the natural elements of the clay. His ceramics' rustic appearance surprises with its finesse and balance, revealing the exceptional technical mastery of his art.