Duron, Nieri & Bacci Chalkware

3 responses to “Lady Lamp by Nieri – Reg 906386”

1. 

   spinchip

   September 11, 2026 at 9:13 am

   Vladimir Tretchikoff was South African-based. He lived in Cape Town from 1946 until his death in 2006.

   His “Chinese Girl” (the Green Lady) and the “Black Lady” portraits were iconic South African cultural objects. MDMG pieces in “Tretchikoff style” circulated heavily in South Africa and were sold there, which is probably why some vendors or experts have assumed South African origin. But the production evidence points to the USA as it mentions “Studio”. I haven’t found any further info to be able to nail it down precisely, but if you have pictures of the piece that show specific markings, do get in touch!

   Reply
2. 

   Cheyenne Morrison

   September 10, 2026 at 10:23 pm

   Bit confused as I have always found this Balinese Woman referred to as by another manufacturer, below. One just came up for sale in mint original condition with superb photos for reference to the original paint scheme …

   https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/106531253-mdgm-studio-alex-bust-balinese-danseres-34-cm-plaster

   A rare sculpture by Studio Alex MDGM, crafted from polychrome plaster featuring warm terracotta, gold, and black tones. The bust depicts a Balinese dancer with stylized features and an ornate headdress—a direct reference to the work of Vladimir Tretchikoff (1913–2006), the South African artist who achieved global fame with his exotic portraits of women from Asia and Polynesia.

   The sculpture embodies the glamour and fascination with the East characteristic of the 1960s: elegant lines, matte skin tones, and subtle, glossy accents in gold and black.

   During this period, Studio Alex MDGM produced refined, limited-edition decorative sculptures, often inspired by popular art movements and painters of the mid-century era.

   This piece is a beautifully preserved example of that style—expressive, sensual, and distinctly decorative.
   An object that fits perfectly into both a mid-century interior and a collection of vintage art sculptures.

   Features: Studio Alex MDGM Tretchikoff-style Balinese Dancer bust, c. 1960
   Period: circa 1960–1970
   Designer/Maker: Studio Alex MDGM
   Marked: MDGM Alex B87
   Style: In the style of Vladimir Tretchikoff
   Material: Polychrome plaster
   Color: Gold, black, brown, and terracotta
   Origin: United Kingdom
   Condition: Very good; with minimal signs of age
   Dimensions: Height approx. 33 cm; W/D approx. 20×20 cm; weight 2500 g
   Marked: Studio Alex MDGM

   Reply
   1. 

      spinchip

      September 11, 2026 at 8:57 am

      Hey Cheyenne. My research is taken from the British Trade of Industry records as you will see from the images. If the piece has that registration number on it, it is definietly Nieri (unless someone has made a copy of course). I know MDM and Alex is mentioned a lot on the web, but I’m afraid it is common for people to just say something to help the auction along.

      If it does have “MDMG”, “Alex MDMG” as the auction says it does, then I believe this points to Studio Alex (US based I believe) and c. 1980s.

      It also says polychrome plaster. I don’t know about MDMG, but Nieri, from what I have seen, is just plaster and the paintwork is added later. Hope that helps. Simon

      Reply