Rocky and Henrietta

Comment by The Lamp Caretaker on February 6, 2021 at 1:47am

You know I'm really into the Hippo on the top of the wave lamp case.  I've been looking for one like it or similar.   It's a real pleasure seeing one in in such great condition.  If I'm not mistaken this is the same company that created the  Hippo George Jefferson's mother gave to Weezy (louise) Georges wife after winning it at her local Senior Center. Only hers was pink. It's a planter or candy dish whichever you choose if I'm not mistaken.  In classic spiteful Mother in-law fashion when she gives the Hippo to Louise she says - " I just knew it was you Louise" gleefully and the audience erupts in laughter. It's not the same but almost identical in shape and form only your Hippo appears to be less chunky but with the same look and form as the one I first saw on the episode of the Jefferson's.  Can you tell us a little more about it?  I'm wondering if there is a makers mark.  I'd like to try and find one.  They were very popular in the seventies as were Elephants, Monkeys and the iconic Jaguar with the light up green eyes.  I have one in a rare brown color.  Most jaguar lamps were black. They were called  TV lamps only some were made like the one you have for dual purpose as in using for a planter to grow your own your Marijua-herbs or for a candy dish. I could be way off since I have no real info on the one you own.  Your probably going to tell me I'm way off and you picked it up recently at Target or some local gallery .  Then again I could be spot on and now you know you own a Hippo worth a little money.  Either way I like it and want one.  

Comment by andy ross on February 6, 2021 at 1:08pm

Good spot, TLC - Henrietta is one of my treasures

It's one of a range of ceramic beasts that were crafted in Italy in the early1980s, I don't know the maker, but there was an artist involved - unlike most china animals that are pretty crudely executed, all the examples I have seen from this range are quite superb - lions, tigers (see my icon), hippos, rhinos, zebras and yes, I think there was an elephant too. And several large dogs, as I recall...

They are purely decorative, and were sold (at a price!) in a posh London "department store, as we call them" for a few months, but no more materialised when they were all gone, sadly.

They're big items, too - Henrietta is sharing the shelf with a Giant Pacifica (with its 30" vessel), to give you an idea of the size, and we had to strengthen the shelf with angle irons to support the weight - 40lbs plus I'd guess...

I've never seen any more, though I've looked hard - the zebra (reclining) was exquisite, but at over £500 (then) was more than I could afford - but I'm still kicking myself for missing it...

I have one more of these, Rhoni the rhino - see the detail work, and the supercilious lip!

Comment by Critter on February 6, 2021 at 2:05pm

Looks amazing Andy!

Comment by bob y on March 6, 2021 at 2:15pm

This is awesome , I seen this on YouTube I think , the whole shelf is amazing, do you like the sound it makes ?

 

Comment by andy ross on March 7, 2021 at 2:11am

Hi Bob, glad you like it... no, it's not on YouTube, just OG...

Henrietta (the hippo) maintains a dignified silence, as you'd expect

Rocky (so called because he was juddery when I acquired him four years ago) is also silent - the whole caboodle - except the vessel - was in need of TLC, so I've restored the action and base lights, but not the SFX.

I have this SFX function working on another - smaller - version and find it slightly irritating

Comment by bob y on March 10, 2021 at 5:16pm

That’s nice , I love the names and the story behind them ! , I also found a wave machine like this and it in bad shape , but the sounds work . 

I bet you can just sit and watch for hours , the red is a cool color choice I have not seen also .

Comment by andy ross on March 11, 2021 at 1:58am

There's another one on here - Pinky the Pacifica owned by Voxul

Have you got a Giant Pacifica too? Love to see it, they're scarce I believe

Yes, I've put in a few hours in front of it, now it's running properly without that judder after each tilt... but probably not more than 45mins each time, that motor is irreplaceable

Comment by bob y on March 11, 2021 at 6:49am

I have the 22in one , but apparently they can’t be fixed anymore , the motor I mean. , I need to go local electronic place may/e , the vessel has a Hugh bubble also . But still it works and it’s preety sweet , nothing like yours , I’ll post a pic today !

Comment