A luminous example of mid-century American decorative lighting at its most considered — this Paul Hanson table lamp pairs the romance of chinoiserie with the quiet sophistication of a cream crackle glaze ground. The hexagonal ceramic body is hand-painted with a garden narrative: magpie-like birds in flight and at rest among gnarled branches heavy with pink blossoms and lush green foliage, the imagery wrapping continuously around the form. The domed ceramic cap echoes the body’s decoration with its own flowering branch detail, while the stepped wood and brass hexagonal base grounds the piece with warmth and weight. The brass socket is stamped Paul Hanson, confirming the maker. Paul Hanson lamps are a recognized name among collectors of quality American decorative lighting — the company produced lamps for the interior design trade throughout the mid-20th century, and their chinoiserie pieces in particular have found a strong following.