Great 1920's to early 1930's hand carved alabaster Bird of Paradise bird sculpture table lamp with dome shade signed Volterra, Italy. Blue and white bird features and it is standing on a tree stump. Very nicely carved and retains its original colors, as well as its original label.
CONDITION: Working nicely see last few photos. The lamp has been rewired and its a little quirky, i.e.: the new wire has a toggle switch but whoever did it left the original bulb hardware and the old pull cord sits inside the bottom dome. The light dome is has been replaced but it has its original dome shade. There are some very small and innocuous flea bites. Please use the zoom feature
SIZE: Stands a total of 15 1/2 inches and the bird sculpture is 9 inches
The working of alabaster is an ancient tradition in Volterra. The Etruscans used alabaster to make urns, then used it for creating capitals, tabernacles, vases and other works.
Volterra is the city of alabaster par excellence. The large natural deposits of alabaster in its surroundings are considered one of the most precious around the world given its particular compactness, transparency, veins and hardness.
The Alabaster museum in Volterra is located within the suggestive medieval Tower Minucci, next to the Pinacoteca Comunale. The museum itinerary, through a selection of works, tools and materials, the history of working alabaster from the Etruscans up until our time. This includes an exposition of how the stone is found and worked (technical materials), its style characteristics (the decorative forms used), and the economic and social aspects (the market for alabaster, its spread, the life and work of an alabaster artisan in his workshop).
The most significant works include two funeral urns from Etruscan times, two capitals from the Middle Ages that are unique representations of work in alabaster of that time, a collection of precious sculptures from the 18tha nd 19th centuries, a selection of medallions in alabaster by Albino Funaioli and several works by Volterra native artist Raffaello Consortini.
The Ecomuseo of Volterra is an interesting starting point for an itinerary through the city that presents the past and present tradition of this unique artisan craft still a part of life in Volterra, from the Etruscan finds in the Guarnacci museum to the many artisan workshops still active in town.
Andrea, your store is a wonderful treasure trove and your knowledge and class are of a scholarly collector.
I am a university research professor with an eye for detail. I have never seen any vendor with your level of exquisite scholarship. Just like your fine objets d'art, your descriptions are crafted with masterful finesse; it is such a pleasure reading them and it is also a great learning experience. Thanks again! Patrick
Deco Deva
Proprietor
Downsizing was inevitable and I've done it several times already. This is the big one, and I am still unboxing treasures retrieved from storage after decades.
All pieces are one of a kind handpicked by yours truly over 40 years to add texture, style and story to your authentic style.
My collecting story starts after watching Astaire and Rogers float across a dance floor as a young girl, I have loved art deco design, art, fashion and jewelry. So bold and beautiful, and so different from anything that came before it. Art deco changed social and design sensibilities forever. A lifetime collector of high quality antiques and vintage, I started by making contacts, researching and learning. Picking the best of the best, I live with art deco and vintage decor and used to wear the fashions of the day. To say that I feel in love is an understatement. I reveled in the fact that I was able to reflect my unique style and sensibilities with a marriage of old and new.
Since I was in my teens I have bought what pleases me, what I find beautiful and unique, and the things that speak to me on a creative level. I hope that you can see and feel the passion and love that I feel for antiques and vintage pieces and share with you. You will find art deco, collectible and vintage fine art paintings, original illustrations and magazine covers, home decor, marble, alabaster and metal lamps, nude flapper table lamps, sterling silver decorative accents and tableware for the home and entertaining, designer and estate jewelry and fine vintage watches in my shop.