1953 LANE & CO. LOS ANGELES CHINESE FIGURAL TV LAMP

The Story
A remarkable survivor of 1950s California design, this sculptural figural lamp was created by Lane & Co. of Los Angeles and is permanently marked ©1953.

Lane & Co. became known for the imaginative ceramic television lamps that occupied the intersection of lighting, sculpture and decorative art during the mid-century period. This unusually large 19-inch example transforms that idea into something particularly theatrical: an elongated Chinese-inspired figure enveloped in richly ornamented emerald-green robes, with its light source cleverly concealed within the ceramic body.

Original labels and an exceptionally clear dated maker's mark make this an especially compelling example for collectors of California pottery and mid-century lighting.

The Object
The figure is beautifully modeled from every angle. Sweeping folds of fabric create the elongated silhouette, while raised scrolling decoration is picked out in dark detailing against a glossy, variegated green glaze. Amber-gold passages along the sleeves and costume add warmth and dimension.

When illuminated, a concealed rear bulb casts warm indirect light through the open-backed ceramic body. The effect is atmospheric rather than utilitarian—the lamp was designed to create mood while remaining a decorative sculpture in its own right.

Its impressive scale, superb color and extraordinarily expressive mid-century styling allow it to move easily beyond the traditional TV-lamp category. Display it on a console, credenza, cocktail bar or side table where the silhouette can be appreciated both illuminated and unlit.

Collected Beauty
• Authentic Lane & Co. California pottery.
• Permanently marked ©1953.
• Early Los Angeles / L.A. California identification.
• Original Lane & Co. Los Angeles paper label.
• Original UL Inspected Portable Lamp label.
• Dramatic 19-inch height.
• Saturated emerald and jade-green glaze.
• Elaborately sculpted and decorated robes.
• Warm amber-gold contrasting accents.
• Atmospheric concealed illumination.
• Exceptional sculptural presence.
• Beautiful example of decorative mid-century California lighting.

Details
• Maker: Lane & Co.
• Origin: Los Angeles, California.
• Date: 1953.
• Marked: LANE & CO. L.A. CALIF. ©1953.
• Material: Glazed ceramic.
• Type: Figural television / accent lamp.
• Color: Emerald and jade green with amber-gold, black and flesh-tone accents.
• Original Lane & Co. paper label present.
• Original Underwriters' Laboratories Portable Lamp inspection label present.
• Issue number: 11893.
• Style: Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency, Chinoiserie, California pottery.

Dimensions
• Height: 19 inches.
• Width: 6.5 inches.
• Depth: 5 inches.
• Weight: 3.36 pounds.

Condition Report
• Excellent vintage condition.
• No chips, cracks or repairs observed.
• Sculptural details remain crisp and intact.
• Rich glossy glaze retains excellent color.
• Painted and amber-gold details remain beautifully preserved.
• Original Lane & Co. label remains present.
• Original UL inspection label remains present.
• Molded ©1953 maker's mark is clear and legible.
• Lamp illuminates as photographed.
• As with all vintage lighting, professional electrical inspection is recommended before prolonged use.