Barsony Ceramics, synonymous with the production of matt black coloured ceramics, was an Australian ceramics manufacturing company operated by George Barsony (1917-2010) and his wife Jean from the early 1950s to the early 1970s.

George Barsony, a sculptor from Hungary had arrived in Australia as a refugee in 1949 and shortly after, met his future wife Jean who had come to Australia from England and worked in a Sydney pottery.

Together they set up Barsony Ceramics, and the company's operations were conducted from a factory Guernsey Street, Guildford in Western Sydney.

As well as manufacturing under the Barsony name, Barsony Ceramics also produced items under the Silver Cloud and Venice labels, but items under these labels very rarely come onto the market.

Decorative items produce by Barsony included candlesticks, figurines, lamp bases, ashtrays, wall hangings, bookends, figure vases, bowls etc.

Genuine Barsony items can be identified by the numbering system on the base of the item: 'H' indicated head, 'V' indicated vase', and 'L' indicated 'lamp'. Thus 'FL' indicated a figural lamp and 'HL' indicated a head lamp. These letters are followed by the model or mould number. Many of the lamps and figures are named models, such as 'Drumbeat of Trinidad' (FL-41), 'Beauty of the Beach' (F-19) and 'Sitting Black Lady (FL39). 

Source, Carter's Guide to Antiques (here).

THIS LISTING

Model #FL-36, Figural Lamp - Ballerina, in Pink

Dimensions 45cm tall

Condition Great to excellent condition, with very little surface wear. No chips, no cracks. Some light scuffs, as per the pictures. Jewels are missing from the reverse side of the ballerina outfit. Shade is original, so we're led to believe.

It has been professionally rewired with a new cable to meet Australian electrical standards.