By S. Thailand
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An evocative and highly decorative pair of large vintage Thai table lamps, each incorporating a hand-carved figure of a seated Siamese court musician. Dating to the mid-20th century, these sculptural lamps combine traditional Southeast Asian craftsmanship with the dramatic scale and theatrical elegance associated with Hollywood Regency and eclectic Mid-Century Modern interiors.
The complementary figures are individually posed and detailed. One musician holds a slender flute, while his companion is depicted with hand cymbals. Each figure wears an elaborate traditional headdress and ceremonial costume, carefully carved to suggest layered textiles, jewelry and ornamental borders.
The carved wood sculptures have a softly bleached antique-white finish with an intentionally aged crackled surface that gives the pair wonderful depth and character. Areas of warm gold gilding highlight the headdresses, collars, garments, cuffs and decorative borders. Small red and blue mirrored-glass insets resembling jewels are applied throughout the costumes, catching and reflecting light when the lamps are illuminated.
Each musician is elevated on a simple rectangular wooden base and fitted with an adjustable brass-toned lamp rod. The present white fabric shades provide a clean, neutral counterpoint to the richly decorated figurative bases and allow the sculptural details to remain the focal point. The adjustable height makes it possible to refine the proportions or accommodate different shades if desired.
With an overall height of approximately 43 inches as presently configured, these are impressively scaled statement lamps. They would be particularly effective placed symmetrically on a long console, flanking a sofa or bed, or displayed on matching side tables in a living room, library, bedroom or dramatic entry hall. Their combination of carved Thai figures...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Thai Table Lamps