The light works perfectly. and casts a purrfectly beautiful glow to your RETRO & CAMPY atmosphere.
These lamps were all the rage in the Mid-Century and usually sat upon the television commanding the room.
These ceramic pottery Felines are nearly life sized and are so nicely detailed. The glaze is lovely and this lamp was well taken care of.
The eyes are unmistakable in Claes lamps since they are under-lit with beautiful blue eyes that glow while still being able to see the cat-like pupils.
Other makers used simple open eyes that lacked this fantastic Claes feature and seem so empty is comparison, since other makers of Cat lamps simply use lit slits where the light glows through them.
"Claes Syamese Cat" eyes are actually "under lit" since there are actually visible eyes made into the mold, and not just cut outs or open holes.
The eyes are inset on this lamp, and are visible even when off. The eyes are under lit from inside the lamp and unusual feature that makes them more realistic and alive.......I think that is my favorite thing about this lamp.
It is no wonder that this series of lamps are highly collectible and coveted by the true TV Lamp purists & affectionados. Leland passed away in 2000, and since his Kitsch lamps have shot up even more in both value and for collective purposes.
*This fine retro piece is well marked and dated on bottom
What a Kitsch Estate Treasure to be able to offer.
Measures 13" tall and 10" wide. Open back for light and heat release.
I do not see any crazing on the glaze, there are no cracks or chips.
***Note Blue bulb I have used to display this lamp with has since burnt out. You will need to purchase one.
***Shipping to contiguous United States- for locations outside the mainland USA please contact seller with your country or zip code for shipping costs
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Leland Claes background~
This Syamese Lamp was designed by Leland Claes, "a virtual unknown in most pottery collecting circles, his designs are appreciated almost exclusively by TV lamp enthusiasts. Claes was born in Turlock, California on August 31st, 1916, and would be the eldest of seven children. Leland was a loner, and as a result the details of his time as a pottery designer are rather vague, even to those close to him. He designed pottery for Arthur Ball at Ball Art Ware in the late '40s through the early '50s, replacing Howard Ball, who had left to design for Brad Keeler.
Most, if not all, of Claes' TV lamps were made by William H. Hirsch Manufacturing, a pottery best
known by collectors for their salt and pepper shakers. The Hirsch lamps can be clearly identified by the stylistic "WH" on the back or base.
"Claes left pottery design at some point and opened a photography shop in his hometown of Turlock. Leland Claes passed away on March, 11th, 2000, leaving behind a marvelous body of work and many unanswered questions. Claes lamps are distinctive, many are quite rare, and they often fetch $$$."
~ My thanks to Calvin Claes, David Hawkinson and Dorothy Hawkinson for this printed research of Leland Claes and his wonderful TV lamps.
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