Important "Owl" lamp in ceramic – Walter Gerhards

West Germany, circa 1960–1970. Condition: Very good condition. We present a rare and spectacular table lamp, an iconic work by the ceramist Walter Gerhards, a major figure in the German Fat Lava scene. Made in West Germany in the 1960s–1970s, this piece powerfully combines sculpture, light, and material, establishing itself as a true functional work of art. The lamp base, made of polychrome glazed ceramic, takes the form of a stylised owl, a symbolic animal of the night and knowledge. The sculpture is distinguished by a powerful and expressive modelling, rhythmically punctuated by circular perforations skillfully distributed across the body and face. These openings, characteristic of Gerhards' work, reveal their magic once the lamp is lit. The use of multiple deep glazes, in shades of volcanic brown, amber, and incandescent red, gives the surface an almost telluric appearance, typical of the Fat Lava aesthetic. The thick, glossy glaze captures the light and accentuates the relief, giving the piece a strong, almost totemic sculptural presence. Double lighting. The lamp features a dual lighting system: – a main source at the top, – and an interior light concealed within the body of the owl. Once lit, the light diffusing through the perforations creates a fascinating play of light and shadow, evoking an incandescent lantern and establishing a warm, soft, and enveloping atmosphere. Dimensions. Height: 63 cm. Depth: 25 cm. Width: 20 cm. A decorative object of character, this lamp will naturally find its place in a modernist, vintage, or contemporary interior, as a strong and singular piece. A rare creation, sought after by enthusiasts of 20th-century German design and collectors of Fat Lava ceramics.