An iconic Marbro chalkware 'Harlequin' table lamp in the form of Charles René de Saint-Marceaux's late 19th-century bronze 'L' Arlequin' statue. The masked figure stands on a faux wood base with his arms crossed. He wears a black mask and is clad in a white Commedia dell'arte costume adorned with a diamond pattern in black and gold. The lamp has been paired with an opaque black pagoda-style shade lined in textured gold metallic foil.

MARBRO LAMP CO. was founded by Morris Markoff and his brother - the name of the company is a portmanteau of 'Markoff brothers.' They started the company in the garment district of Los Angeles, California, right after World War II. Marbro specialized in a wide selection of antiques and decorative arts accessories but is best known for its lamps, the parts for which were sourced from all over the world and assembled in-house. Most of the pieces sold by Marbro catered to interior designers and upscale furniture stores. However, they also gathered a loyal following of Hollywood celebrities.

Marbro products were usually made to order, which made them unique and identifiable. However, it also meant that it took about 75 to 90 days for the product to be completed and delivered to the buyer. Even though Marbro Lamp Co. made the items to order, the company was well-known for importing the components that made up the lamp bodies. For example, ceramics, glass, etc., were purchased from smaller companies worldwide, and most of the brass came from India. Marbro would order the parts in bulk, and then, once the parts arrived at their CA location, a group of their employees would put the pieces together, make the shades, and make any other finishing touches.

In 1987, the Marbro Lamp Company was purchased by the Masco Corporation. Production continued under the Marbro name until December 1990, when the assembly plant and office in Los Angeles were closed. All the equipment and remaining inventory was moved to LaBarge Mirrors in Holland, Michigan, another Masco company, before the Marbro name was retired soon after.

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