Vintage Hivo Van Teal–Attributed Lucite and Silver-Tone Sculptural Table Lamp with Original Metallic Shade
I am submitting this vintage sculptural table lamp for identification, attribution, dating, and valuation. Based on its construction, materials, color palette, scale, and overall design language, I believe it may be an original Hivo Van Teal lamp, although I have not located a visible signature, manufacturer’s label, or model number. The lamp features a tall stacked composition of substantial translucent acrylic or Lucite elements in vivid citron yellow, pale blush pink, clear or frosted neutral tones, and bright cobalt blue. The upper section consists of a large tapered yellow acrylic form positioned above a rounded pale-pink sphere. Below this is a broad faceted yellow disc, a smaller blue faceted element, and an additional pale rounded element, all arranged along the central stem. The acrylic components are framed by a silver-tone metal structure formed into large symmetrical sweeping curves resembling an open heart or lyre. The lower portions terminate in inward-facing scrolls above a stepped circular base. The combination of saturated translucent acrylic, silver-finished sculptural metalwork, geometric stacking, and exaggerated decorative scale appears highly consistent with lighting associated with Hivo Van Teal and Van Teal production. The lamp retains what I believe to be its original large conical metallic shade. The shade has a silver-colored exterior and a reflective gold-tone interior. When illuminated, the gold interior directs warm light downward through the yellow acrylic, causing the colored Lucite components to glow and making the shade an integral part of the lamp’s intended visual effect. The electrical socket is marked “Concord” and rated 250W/250V. The lamp is currently fitted with a standard harp and socket assembly and has been tested in working condition. The lamp shows age-related cosmetic wear. The silver-tone metal base and framework have surface oxidation, scratches, finish loss, discoloration, and unevenness in the metallic coating. I performed careful surface cleaning and minor cosmetic improvement, but I did not attempt professional restoration or refinishing. The acrylic elements show scattered scratches, rubbing, minor surface marks, and wear consistent with age. I have not observed major cracks or structural breaks in the primary acrylic components. The original metallic shade also shows age-related wear, including scratches, scuffs, creasing, finish disturbance, edge wear, and irregularities around the upper and lower rims. It remains structurally usable and visually important to the lamp’s original presentation. The finial currently shown with the lamp is a replacement and is not original to the fixture. No other major components are known by me to have been replaced, although I cannot confirm whether the socket, wiring, harp, or other electrical elements are original. I would particularly like assistance determining whether the lamp can be definitively attributed to Hivo Van Teal, whether it corresponds to a documented Van Teal model or production series, its likely production date, and its current fair-market, retail, insurance, and auction value in its present condition and after professional restoration.
Overall lamp height: approximately 31 inchesMaximum width of sculptural metal framework: approximately 9 inchesShade diameter at lower opening: approximately 20 inchesShade diameter at upper opening: approximately 6 inchesShade height: approximately 12 inches
Other
Yes
Hi Emily,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Hivo Van Teal is a Cuban-born American artist, designer, and entrepreneur best known for pioneering acrylic (Lucite) sculpture and lighting. He founded Van Teal, Inc. in the early 1970s, and his work became synonymous with the glamorous, modern aesthetic that was popular in luxury interiors during the 1970s through the 1990s.
After leaving Havana, Cuba, Van Teal settled in Miami, where he and his wife, Estela, began producing sculptural acrylic works from a small studio in 1974. Their first sculptures quickly attracted attention from high-end furniture retailers and galleries, including Saks Fifth Avenue, leading to the rapid growth of the company. By 1976, Van Teal had opened a showroom at the High Point Furniture Market, establishing the brand as a major name in contemporary decorative arts.
There are several elements of this work characteristic of his lamps:
- The large translucent yellow spindle and the blue faceted acrylic prism are classic Van Teal materials. He frequently combined clear, frosted, and brightly colored acrylic in a single design.
-Rather than using a traditional turned lamp body, this lamp is assembled from geometric acrylic forms separated by metal spacers, creating the appearance of a modern sculpture.
- Van Teal often paired acrylic with brushed aluminum or pewter-finished metal rather than polished brass.
-The curled metal supports forming heart-like shapes are consistent with the playful, Postmodern aesthetic found in many Van Teal designs from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- The wide metal shade with a reflective gold interior is another feature seen on a number of Van Teal table lamps.
Having said all of that, the curled metalwork is more ornate than his more geometric forms, and the shade might be a later replacement.
Considering the fittings, the bright nickel finish and label suggest the socket is from the late 1990s or newer, so either is an original late 20th Century lamp or a later replacement.
Because of these few inconsistencies, I'm hesitant to attribute it to Van Teal.
If you're thinking of selling this, we generally advise people to leave things "as is" for a couple of reasons: touchups or larger restorations can be a red flag to potential buyers. Also, I would not want to recommend putting money into this lamp you might not recoup when you sell this. And restoring it might not increase the value commensurate to the cost of the repair job... you don't want to put $500 into fixing a $300 "as-is" lamp to raise its value to only $500.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage Art Deco style lucite and brushed metal table lamp
mid 20th century
31 inches overall height
CONDITION: With minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: unknown
$ 200-300*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
