Buddha table lamp, ceramic in gold and black, pagoda shade, 1980s

A large, sculptural table lamp in the form of a seated ceramic Buddha, crafted in an expressive contrast of anthracite-black, metallic-shimmering glaze for the face, torso, and arms, and a gold finish with a fine crackle texture for the robe, hair curls, and base. The figure is seated in the lotus position, with the right hand resting on the knee in the earth-touching gesture (Bhumisparsha mudra) and the left hand resting relaxed in the lap—a motif inspired by Thai Buddha depictions from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya traditions. The sculpted snail-shell curls, elongated earlobes, calm, inward-looking face, and the robe draped over the left shoulder with a folded sash are meticulously worked out; the brass-colored lamp socket grows out from the ushnisha on the crown of the head.

The lamp is crowned by a generous, rectangular pagoda shade made of brown fabric with sweeping, flared edges, gold-colored piping, and a cream-colored interior, which casts a warm, downward-directed light onto the golden figure. It is the original shade, which has been intentionally left in place to preserve the authentic overall appearance of the era; anyone wishing for a different look can easily exchange it for a new or different shade at any time. The lamp bears no manufacturer's mark. However, its design language, color palette, and the combination with the pagoda shade correspond to the decorative European Buddha lamps in the Hollywood Regency style, such as those produced primarily in Italy, Belgium, and France in the 1970s and 1980s; this piece can be dated to around the 1980s.

The dimensions without the shade are H 61 × W 45 × D 25 cm; the total height with the shade is approximately 80 cm. The lamp is in good vintage condition with slight signs of wear consistent with age on the gilding and the original shade, and it is functional, featuring a power cord and inline switch. An impressive statement object for a sideboard, console, or reading room that adds a calm, warm presence to mid-century and vintage interiors.