Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest left wide-eyed after his $20 lamp gets a staggering valuation (marketrealist.com)
Talk about a bright idea! An “Antiques Roadshow” guest who snagged two mushroom-shaped lamps for a steal at a thrift store (just $9 each!)
got a dazzling surprise when appraiser Arlie Sulka revealed their true worth. Turns out, these weren’t just any lamps – they were vintage designs by Finnish artist Lisa Johansson-Pape, dating back to the 1950s.
Sulka estimated their value at a whopping $2,000 to $3,000!
The lamps, crafted from opaque glass, are the larger of two sizes Johansson-Pape created, likely around 1954. The artist, known for her streamlined, stylized designs often inspired by fruits and vegetables, apparently had a thing for mushrooms.
Sulka noted that Johansson-Pape’s work influenced lamp design in the 1980s, with many companies trying to replicate her distinctive style. The guest, clearly fascinated by the unexpected history lesson, was left wide-eyed by the revelation.
Lamps lighting up the “Roadshow” stage isn’t a new phenomenon. In another episode, a guest was moved to tears when his lamps, a gift from a late friend, were appraised.
These weren’t your average bedside lights either – they were Tiffany Studios lamps, featuring intricate geometric patterns and decorative elements like the “woodbine” and “swirling leaf” motifs. The combined value?
A staggering $130,000! The guest, though emotional, couldn’t help but smile at the incredible legacy left by his friend.