Ceramics & Glass
Robert Lallemant Art Deco Ceramic Table Lamp, France, 1930s
Robert Lallemant Art Deco Ceramic Table Lamp, France, 1930s
This striking ceramic table lamp represents the refined modernist vocabulary developed by Robert Lallemant during the height of the French Art Deco period. The sculptural vessel form, conceived originally as a ceramic vase, has been transformed into a dramatic illuminated object that expresses the era’s fascination with geometry, architectural relief, and stylized ornament. Its faceted cylindrical body is articulated by a bold raised center band and rhythmic sawtooth edge molding, creating a sculptural silhouette that is as compelling in daylight as it is when illuminated.
The surface is finished in a luminous beige crackle glaze, enlivened by an applied geometric frieze rendered in black and ochre yellow. The pattern is composed of angular chevrons, stepped forms, and crosshatched panels, motifs that echo the graphic language seen across French decorative arts of the early 1930s.
The strong contrast between matte crackle ground and crisp graphic decoration gives the piece a refined architectural presence. When lit, the lamp radiates a warm glow that accentuates the depth of the glaze and the dimensional relief of the molded ceramic form.
Robert Lallemant was a highly significant figure within the French ceramic revival of the interwar period. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Dijon and apprenticed under Raoul Lachenal before establishing his own Parisian ceramics workshop in 1926. Unlike many studio potters of the period, Lallemant embraced modern production while maintaining high artistic standards, helping to bring sophisticated modernist design into wider circulation. His works are recognized for their strong graphic composition, architectural modeling, and refined glazing, and are today held in major public and private collections.
This example is signed to the underside and has been professionally rewired for safe modern use while preserving its original character. It retains its dramatic original French glass shade, which complements the lamp’s geometric body and heightens its sculptural impact. Rare in both form and decoration, this lamp stands as an important and visually commanding example of French Art Deco ceramic lighting, ideally suited for placement on a desk, console, cabinet, or nightstand where its architectural presence can be fully appreciated.
