Italian Ceramic Sunburst Wall Light

An Italian ceramic wall light modelled as a sun, with a sculptural face, full rounded cheeks, and rays radiating outward. Each ray is cut through the ceramic as an aperture, so when the light is on it throws a pattern of light and shadow across the wall. At 22cm across it sits as both a working light and a piece of wall sculpture.

The piece comes from Italy in the 1960s, part of the country's mid-century tradition of ceramic lighting where everyday fixtures were made as small sculptural objects. Rather than a single named workshop, it belongs to that broader Italian ceramic craft of the period, when potters and lighting makers worked hand in hand.

The making is in the cutwork. The sun face is hand-formed, the cheeks and features shaped in relief, and the rays cut individually through the body of the ceramic so the light passes through rather than around them. That is what gives the shifting shadow pattern as the day and the light change. The ceramic carries the glaze and patina of genuine age.

The light suits a living room, bedroom, or hallway, and works well in an eclectic, bohemian, or contemporary Australian interior looking for vintage character. Set against a neutral or accent wall the sun motif brings warmth and personality while giving soft ambient light. It is in very good-excellent vintage condition.

Origin: Italy

Period: 1960's

Materials: Ceramic

Dimensions: 22cm diameter

Configuration: Single

Condition: Very good-excellent vintage condition

Ships from Brisbane with secure Australia-wide delivery