Hand-Painted Imari-Style Table Lamps by Jaap Heinen, Set of 2

These unique table lamps are crafted from a rare, hand-painted Imari-style vase set by Jaap Heinen, a renowned Dutch ceramic artist. These pieces come from Heinen’s early years in the 1980s when he was operating out of his studio in Putten, and they bear his distinct signature “JH,” along with the fish symbol and “Putten” marking, verifying their authenticity. Rarely found on the market, these pieces showcase Heinen’s masterful craftsmanship during a period when he was deeply influenced by the traditional Japanese Imari style, blending it with the Dutch Delft heritage.

Paired with custom ivory pleated lampshades with navy blue trim, the contemporary shades complement the historic design of the vases, introducing an element of modern elegance to the lamps’ overall aesthetic. The pleated design adds texture and softness to the bold Imari-style vases, creating a harmonious balance.

Imari porcelain, originally from Japan, became highly sought after in Europe during the late 17th century. Dutch traders brought these intricately decorated wares back to Holland, where their bold red, blue, and gold patterns inspired local Delft potters to replicate the designs. Imari pieces are notable for their luxurious color palette and the use of gold accents, which were expensive and required a two-stage firing process: the blue underglaze was fired first at a high temperature, while the red and gold overglaze was applied afterward and fired again at a lower temperature. This technique, particularly the use of 24-karat gold for the detailing, made these pieces considerably more costly to produce, contributing to their rarity and value today.

Jaap Heinen’s early work beautifully captures the essence of this tradition, blending the historical Imari style with his own artistic interpretation. The result is a striking and luxurious pair of lamps, perfect for any collector or admirer of Dutch and Japanese art.