Gordon and Jane Martz were prominent designers and creators of simple, elegant, handcrafted ceramic goods. Their vintage mid-century modern designs for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendants are daring but relaxed and make for versatile additions to any space.
Jane Martz’s grandmother established the family-owned American lampshades company Marshall Studios in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922. Jessie “Muz” Marshall produced hand-painted lampshades out of her home, then expanded to include lamp bases made of wood. The business later moved to Veedersburg. After studying at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Gordon and Jane joined the company in the early 1950s and stepped in to run Marshall Studios after it had been managed by Jane’s parents. Gordon and Jane instilled the brand with fresh energy and new ideas. They introduced innovative modernist stoneware lamps, decorative accessories and more that became immediately popular with new homeowners of the era. Later, there was a return to lamp bases made solely of wood, and floor lamps, bookends and tables with tile tops appeared in the company catalogs.
The Marshall Studios M101 lamp was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s “Good Design” exhibit in 1953, which also featured the work of other mid-century luminaries such as Jens Risom, Paul McCobb, George Nelson and more.
Gordon and Jane explored color and texture at the company during the 1950s and ‘60s and continued the rich legacy of craftsmanship for which Marshall Studios had become known. The manufacturer secured government contracts and their works were featured in Interiors magazine. Etchings and other decoration continued to be done by hand, and Jane eventually also took an interest in the fabric and textiles used to hand-cover the paper shades, producing a complementary line of hand-woven pillows and other goods.
Find vintage Gordon and Jane Martz lighting, tables and ceramics on 1stDibs.
$284Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Midcentury Ceramic Ashtray by Gordon & Jane Martz
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful, vintage ceramic ashtray. This piece dates to the 1960s and presents a great condition. Shades of browns and beige spiral within its ...
Ceramic
$3,250
H 4 in W 9.25 in D 9.25 in
Arne Bang Signed Monumental Midcentury Danish Scandinavian Ceramic Pottery Bowl
By Arne Bang
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and rare large work by Danish designer Arne Bang. Truly special. Beautifully glazed and signed with artist mark and number on the base. Would be a great addition to...
Ceramic
White Trompe L'Oeil Ceramic Italian Basket
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful white ceramic basket. This piece features woven ceramic braids surrounding a small basket with a handle. Dimensions: 6" Wide 4" Deep 5.75" Tall.
Ceramic
White Woven Ceramic Decorative Bowl, Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small decorative white ceramic bowl. A gorgeous piece with faux bois feel. This piece is created from ceramic and glazed in white. Made to look like a woven wicker basket, this pie...
Ceramic, Paint
$95
H 1.25 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Kronester Bavaria Triangular Porcelain Plate Vintage Handpainted Ceramic Germany
By Royal Porzellan Bavaria KPM Germany Handarbeit.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Original German vintage hand painted Kronester, Bavaria small triangular shape decorative ceramic plate. Hand painted with stylized floral design decorative porcelain plate. Signed and numbered. Hand made in Germany. Kronester, Bavaria 969. Could be used as a stylish vide poche or decorative hanging plate.
Ceramic
$925
H 2.17 in Dm 7.29 in
Midcentury Decorative Ceramic Dish by Phillip H. Paradise, California, 1950s
By Phillip Herschel Paradise
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Rare decorative earthenware dish by renowned Californian artist Phillip Herschel Paradise. Hand-painted decor, circa 1955. Signed. Phil Paradise wa...
Ceramic
Large Glazed Ceramic Dish, French Work, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This large dish is made of a glazed ceramic. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Ceramic
F. Carlton Ball Midcentury Signed Ceramic Glazed California Studio Pottery Bowl
By F. Carlton Ball
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, wonderfully glazed and textured Mid-Century Modern pottery bowl by renowned California master potter F. Carlton Ball. Ball, who studied with Glen Lukens, taught at the University of Southern California between 1956-1967 and later at the University of Puget Sound...
Ceramic
$472Sale Price|79% Off
H 2.75 in Dm 14.9 in
Antique Spanish Polychrome Ceramic Charger with a Bull Decoration
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Circa 1800 Spanish Majolica Faience centerpiece bowl or charger. This charming collectible antique painted ceramic dish is decorated with a large rear facing bull and with polychrom...
Ceramic, Majolica
Amazing Zoomorphic Ceramic by Accolay, circa 1960-1970
By Accolay Pottery
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
An amazing zoomorphic ceramic by Accolay. Handwritten signature under the base “Accolay,” circa 1960-1970. Perfect original condition.
Ceramic
Red glazed ceramic bowl by Jean Maubrou, circa 1940-1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Red glazed ceramic bowl by Jean Maubrou. Artist monogram under the base. Circa 1940-1950. Perfect original conditions. H : 3.5 x 5.9 inches. - A student of LACHENAL, Jean MAUBROU s...
Ceramic
$1,113
H 2.37 in W 13 in D 13.39 in
Ceramic Cup by Sainte, Radegonde with White and Green Glazes, circa 1950- 1960
By Sainte Radegonde
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A ceramic cup with white and green glaze decoration by Sainte Radegonde. Perfect original conditions. Signed " D" under the base. Circa 1960.
Ceramic
Ceramic cup by Joelle Deroubaix., circa 1975.
By Joelle Deroubaix
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ceramic cup by Joelle Deroubaix. Artist signature under the base. Circa 1975. H : 5.3 x 17.1 x 11.8 inches.
Ceramic
Table Lamp by Martz for Marshall Studio
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in NYC, NY
A pottery table lamp designed by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studio. This piece is signed "MARTZ" on the lower, backside of the lamp, as seen in image 4. The color is matte wh...
Pottery