Hello,

This object is a decorative lamp featuring a paper mâché figurine, topped with an original silk lampshade (which shows signs of deterioration). The figurine itself measures approximately 18 inches tall and 13 inches at its widest (bottom of the skirt), while the total lamp height, including the shade, is about 36 inches.

The sculpture portrays a robed figure with delicate details: fingers are intact, and a hand is holding a fan secured with a visible wire (which ideally should be tucked under the dress sleeve). The figure’s headpiece is adorned with pearls and coral elements, adding a slight luxurious touch typical of mid-20th century decorative art. There is visible crackling, common with aged paper mâché, and the entire piece would benefit greatly from a professional cleaning. The silk lampshade appears brittle and would need replacing to restore the piece aesthetically.

This style and technique are consistent with mid-20th century Hollywood Regency, Rococo Revival, or possibly Italian export decorative arts from the 1940s–1960s. Figurative lamps were highly fashionable in American and European interiors during this period.

Historical Context:
Paper mâché, though often associated with inexpensive crafts today, was a respected medium for creating ornate, lightweight sculptures and furnishings in the 18th to mid-20th centuries. By the 1950s, elaborate figurine-lamps became popular as glamorous, whimsical interior decorations, often imported from Italy or made by niche American companies catering to the booming suburban market.

Figurine lamps of this period were produced in relatively small batches, and those in good condition are now sought after by collectors specializing in vintage decor, mid-century furnishings, or Hollywood Regency style interiors.