The Marbro Lamp Company was one of the finest lamp producers during the mid-1900s. Its pieces were mainly sold in a handful of exclusive furniture shops. Marbro was the go-to supplier of Hollywood Regency and mid-century modern style lighting for interior designers. Its table lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps and wall sconces have graced the homes of many celebrities.
Brothers Morris and Elliott Markoff founded the Marbro Lamp Company in 1934. Its name is a combination of “Markoff” and “brothers.” The brothers relocated from Chicago to southern California after the end of World War II and set up an assembly plant in the garment district of Los Angeles.
Vases and objets d’art, sourced from all over the world, were used as lamp bases. The brass bases came from India, alabaster from Italy, porcelain from Japan and China and crystal from Germany and France. Murano glass and whimsical bronze figurines were two of the more popular base materials.
Marbro lamps were one-of-a-kind and took between 75 and 90 days to complete. Occasionally, they were made from sculptures that customers brought into the factory. Highly skilled woodturners and shade-makers crafted lampshades and wooden bases in Marbro’s shop. Some metal and glass pieces went through paint or staining treatments. The company’s best-known products were these table lamps, but it also produced a wide variety of decorative objects.
The Masco Corporation acquired the Marbro Lamp Company in 1987. Its Los Angeles assembly plant shuttered its doors in 1990. Its equipment and remaining inventory were moved to LaBarge Mirrors — a Masco subsidiary — in Michigan. Shortly after, the production of Marbro lamps ended.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Marbro Lamp Company lighting, decorative objects and more.
Pair Italian Chinoiserie Porcelain Nodding Head Figures, Mid 20th Century, Italy
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Austin, TX
A fine pair of Italian porcelain chinoiserie nodding head figures of a Chinese Mandarin couple, made for the Marbo Lamp Company, circa 1960's, Inl...
Porcelain
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Marbro Parcel-Gilt Ceramic Vase Table Lamp
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large parcel-gilt ceramic vase table lamp made by Marbro. Features a large ceramic vase with a pierced body decorated with a floral motif on e...
Brass
20th Century Mini White Dalmatian Dog Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Mini White Dalmatian Dog Sculpture was produced in Italy. Only...
Ceramic
20th Century Mini White Dalmatian Dog Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Mini White Poodle Dog Sculpture was produced in Italy. Only on...
Ceramic
$1,995
H 17.5 in Dm 9 in
Large Swedish Ceramic Vase / Table Lamp Base by Vicke Lindstrand & Upsala Ekeby
By Vicke Lindstrand, Upsala Ekeby
Located in New York, NY
Large Swedish Mid-Century Modern white ceramic table lamp base / vase designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala Ekeby. The form of the piece is elegantly conceived; it is tapered and fluted. The under glaze of the white exterior has burnt reddish tones which come through along the edges and give the piece depth and warmth. Furthermore, it is equipped with a pre-set drilled hole near the mouth which allows room for an electrical cord and for this piece to be used as a table lamp or a vase. Stamped: V.L. on base. Additional References: NK, Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjort, Carl Marmstrom, Orrefors...
Ceramic, Pottery
20th century Chinese Porcelain
Located in LEGNY, FR
Porcelain jar adorned with a royal “Versailles” crest and richly decorated with blue and gold floral motifs. It sits on a matching square base and features a finely detailed lid. Goo...
Porcelain
Edward Lindahl Owl, Gustavsberg Porcelain, 1950s Mid-Century
By Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely owl designed by Edward Lindahl at Gustavsberg. The owl is 6.5 cm tall and in excellent condition. it is marked as on the photo. Edward Lindahl was active at the Gustavsber...
Stoneware
$800 / item
H 19 in Dm 9 in
Vintage Artisan Prem Collection Ceramic Vase Pre Drilled To be Made into a Lamp
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage artisan Prem Collection large ceramic vase from the mid 20th century with cream colored glaze, pre-drilled to be made into a table lamp. Created in Chiang Mai, northern Tha...
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Limoges Monvoisin Porcelain Figurines
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a stunning pair of mid to late 19th century French Limoges Bisque porcelain figurines from circa 1870. One is of a lady in period dress/attire cradling a Dove. All hand-painted and decorated to the finest quality. The base is marked with the makers initials “C.H.”. She is made of fine bisque porcelain in the Old Paris porcelain style. The other is of a gentleman set...
Porcelain, Paint
20th Century Mini White Dalmatian Dog Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative mini sculpture. Mini White Dalmatian Dog Sculpture was produced in Italy....
Ceramic
20th Century Mini White Poodle Dog Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Mini White Poodle Dog Sculpture wa...
Ceramic
20th Century Small Lessie Dog Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Lessie Dog Sculpture was produced in Italy. Only one dog avail...
Ceramic
Large Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Urn, Amphora Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large, heavy Empire style gilt and patinated bronze Amphora table lamp decorated with fine ornaments and garlands on a square base supported by four feet covered with leaves. Five-li...
Bronze
$188 / set
H 5.91 in W 1.97 in D 7.49 in
Pair of Mid Century White Poodle Dogs Sculptures, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, good original vintage condition. One dog is repaired - as shown on pictures. Beautiful and unique decorative sculptures. White Poodle Dogs Sculptures were produced...
Ceramic
Pair of Chinoiserie Blue and White Lamps by Marbro
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Hollywood Regency period pair of blue and white porcelain chinoiserie vase table lamps by Marbro Lamp Co. Features a pair of Asian style jar...
Brass
Italian Ceramic Fruit Topiary Table Lamp by Marbro
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Beautiful Italian ceramic fruit topiary table lamp produced by Marbro Lamp Co. Features a colorful cornucopia of mixed fruit in a white basket. T...
Brass