Marumi Occupied Japan Hand-Lacquered Bamboo Table Lamps, Pair

Each base in this matched pair is a squared metal form finished in deep glossy lacquer — not merely painted, but built up in the layered Japanese tradition that gives the surface its distinctive depth and luminosity. Against a mottled ground of reddish-amber and black, stalks of bamboo rise in vivid vermilion, their leaves rendered with the kind of assured, economical brushwork that characterizes export lacquerware produced by skilled craftspeople during the Occupation years. Gold flecking and small inlaid fragments of abalone shell catch the light within the composition, adding texture and iridescence to what might otherwise read as pure graphic decoration. The stepped plinth and collar hardware anchor each body with a clean Asian Moderne geometry, while the pyramidal black fabric shade and openwork shou finial — the Chinese longevity medallion — complete the form with period-appropriate ornament.

The underside of each base carries the full Marumi impressed mark: "Made by Hand in Occupied Japan / Marumi / Patented Lacquerware / Metal Base." That mark is one of the most reliable dating tools in mid-century decorative arts: U.S. Customs regulations required goods produced in Japan under American administration (1945–1952) to be stamped "Made in Occupied Japan" or "Made by Hand in Occupied Japan." Production ceased the moment the Occupation ended in April 1952, giving these lamps a hard seven-year production window. Marumi was among the higher-quality export lacquerware producers of the period, distinguishing itself through the patented metal-core construction — more dimensionally stable than wood-core lacquerware and far more durable over decades of use. Each lamp is fitted with an inline cord switch and a secondary dimmer at the lamp collar, a thoughtful dual-control configuration. Sold as a matched pair with original black shades.

CONDITION

Very Good. Light finish wear to the shou finials on both lamps; lacquer panels show no visible imperfections. Both lamps tested fully functional, including the collar dimmers.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall with shade: 22" H × 14" W × 8" D (each)
• Maker: Marumi — "Made by Hand in Occupied Japan"
• Production period: 1945–1952 (Occupation era)
• Construction: Hand-lacquered metal base (patented)
• Decoration: Hand-painted red bamboo motif; gold flecking; inlaid abalone shell accents
• Controls: Inline cord switch; dimmer at lamp collar
• Shades: Black fabric, pyramidal — included
• Finial: Openwork shou (longevity) medallion
• Sold as: Pair