Hand-Thrown Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp, Denmark ca 1960s (sold)




































Hand-Thrown Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp, Denmark ca 1960s (sold)
During the 1960s, Danish ceramicists and lighting designers increasingly explored the relationship between sculpture and functionality. A generation of manufacturers that handcrafted stoneware to celebrate the individuality of each piece emerged. Their works placed equal emphasis on the ceramic body and its richly varied surface, as this table lamp showcases.
This lamp stands out through the clearly defined silhouette and unique glaze. The body widens slightly at the midpoint before tapering toward both the foot and the neck. This shape gives the lamp a structured, almost architectural presence, while still retaining a sense of softness through its rounded transitions. The glaze plays a central role in defining the object: it cascades from lighter tones at the top into darker, earthy hues toward the base, creating a subtle gradient effect. The surface retains slight irregularities, reflecting the handmade nature of the piece. Above, the broad shade introduces a strong geometric element, diffusing the light evenly and balancing the expressive base. The relationship between these two elements creates a cohesive and well-proportioned composition.
This balance of precision and handmade charm is characteristic of mid-century Danish ceramics, where material and process are allowed to remain visible, and so did the hand of the maker. As a result, the lamp functions not only as a source of light, but also as an expressive object that reflects the depth and quality of Denmark’s design tradition.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
13.97 in ø × 16.92 in H
35.5 cm ø x 43 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Kähler Keramik, founded in Næstved in 1839, became one of the defining names in Danish studio ceramics through its combination of traditional craftsmanship and artistic experimentation. Under the direction of fourth-generation potter Nils Kähler, the workshop embraced a distinctly modern approach during the post-war decades, producing stoneware that emphasised sculptural form, richly developed glazes, and hand-worked surface decoration.
Dating from the mid-20th century, this table lamp is formed from glazed stoneware with a compact yet rounded body that stands out through its size. The surface is the main decorative feature of this piece. A warm honey-yellow glaze covers the body, shifting from lighter tones around the shoulder to deeper browns, with a cracked surface. The effect of the glaze is enhanced by closely spaced incisions across the body, producing a textured pattern. The glaze settles differently across the sections, making the decoration more visible. A short, darker, unglazed neck rises above the rounded form, providing a transition between the body and the shade. The cylindrical fabric shade is broad in relation to the base, giving the lamp a low, balanced profile while allowing the textured stoneware to remain clearly visible below.
As a whole, the lamp represents the strengths of Danish mid-century design, where simplicity was a way of allowing material, form, and light to shine and create visual interest. Kähler’s work sits within this tradition, with pieces such as this table lamp carrying his legacy.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the glazed stoneware, the lamp may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
16.34 in W x 9.84 in D x 17.72 in H
41.5 cm W x 25 cm D x 45 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
During the mid-20th century, Danish designers mastered the art of balance between traditional craftsmanship and modernism. This period was guided by the belief that good design should be both beautiful and functional, deeply rooted in natural materials. Wood was frequently combined with metals and textiles, allowing the charm of nature to sit alongside more industrial elements.
This table lamp embodies those ideals through its simple yet deeply considered form. It has a clear composition centered on a tall wooden stem with a slightly tapered profile. Its grain gives the narrow body warmth and visual weight, while polished steel details create a clear transition into the base and socket. The circular foot once again combines materials, the iron being used almost as a frame for the wood, while giving the lamp a stable foundation. Above, a small metallic fitting connects the stem to the upper section. The shade has a low, wide, and sharply tapered form, extending considerably beyond the width of the base and creating a strong horizontal counterpoint to the stem. Its light-colored fabric diffuses the glow and directs the illumination downward. The combination of dark wood, reflective steel, and off-white textile is striking, allowing each material to remain visually distinct.
As with much of Danish Modern design, this lamp represents more than a utilitarian object. It values craftsmanship, atmosphere, and honest materials. Whether placed on a desk, side table, or bedside, this piece brings calm intimacy to its surroundings.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has some marks and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
16.5 in ø × 15.7 in H
42 cm ø x 40 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Axella Keramik was one of the many Danish ceramic workshops that contributed to the flourishing studio pottery movement of the second half of the twentieth century. During this period, Danish designers like Jette Hellerøe increasingly explored stoneware as a medium for both functional and decorative objects, embracing organic forms, textured surfaces, and experimental glazing techniques.
The Danish design paradigm focuses on mixing practicality, modern aesthetics and expert craftsmanship. This table lamp is the embodiment of modern design’s widely loved characteristics. The body is constructed out of glazed stoneware, offering the piece a natural feel enhanced by the textured pattern. As light falls across the surface on the oval body, the recessed areas catch the shadows while the raised elements become subtly highlighted, giving the base a constantly shifting appearance. The earthy glaze further enriches this effect, blending warm browns, sandy beiges, and soft grey undertones that settle differently across the relief, emphasising the handmade character. The darker hues of the ceramic body also exude a sense of warmth and elegance, making it a versatile piece that can complement a variety of interior styles, from modern to rustic.
The overall aesthetic of this piece is essentially Nordic modern thanks to the combination of interesting materials, texture and a design inspired by nature. This table lamp is beautifully unique and can be the perfect addition when it comes to interior decor.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks and scratches. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.94 in ø x 28.35 in H
40.5 cm ø x 72 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Distinctive in numerous ways, this stoneware table lamp showcases the versatility that characterised the mid-century era. Crafted by Bartholdy Keramik, a pottery workshop founded by Benny Bartholdy Pedersen in the early 1960s, this piece surpasses the strict functionality many designers were concerned with and is a representation of the innovative experimentation in Scandinavian ceramic lighting design.
The Danish appreciation of nature and simplicity can be observed through the earthy tones of this table lamp, from brown to shades of beige and grey. The dark hues of the ceramic body also exude a sense of strength and elegance, making it a versatile piece that can complement a variety of interior styles, from modern to rustic. The body is composed of a wider cylindrical base and a narrower, elongated neck, creating a stable yet light composition. The surface displays texture, reminding of the material’s natural qualities. The shade introduces a layer of warmth when the lamp is turned on, diffusing the light into an ambient glow that complements the stoneware below. The relationship between these elements is balanced and deliberate, with the shade acting as a beautiful counterpoint to the expressive base.
What gives this lamp its presence is the way it feels anchored without appearing heavy. The geometry is simple, yet the surface carries enough detail to hold attention. Whether placed on a side table or console, its material qualities can be appreciated without needing excess ornament to stand out.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ø x 23.82 in H
40 cm ø x 60.5 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Jette Hellerøe was among the ceramic artists who collaborated with the Danish workshop Axella during the 1970s, a period when studio pottery played an increasingly important role in Scandinavian interior design. Axella's production focused on handcrafted stoneware with expressive glazes and decoration, translating the qualities of studio ceramics into functional objects for the home. Hellerøe's designs are characterised by their sculptural forms and carefully worked surfaces, making each lamp unique in its own right.
Model “648” is defined by a compact, well-balanced silhouette, with a broad rounded body that transitions gracefully into a slender neck before supporting the bulb socket and shade. The lower half is decorated with geometric motifs separated into vertical bands, each panel individually carved to create a rhythmic pattern of abstract forms. Finished in a speckled grey glaze through the carved ridges, the relief catches the light across its raised and recessed surfaces, emphasising the varied textures. Above, attention is paid to the neck as well; its sandy glaze and rich look showcase the organic feel characteristic of handmade pieces. The shade with its undulating edge completes the design, adding yet another layer of visual interest, while the restrained palette allows the ceramic craftsmanship to remain the focal point. Overall, this piece embodies the perfect balance between a functional source of light and a decorative ceramic object.
Jette Hellerøe’s designs represent the bulk of Axella pieces remaining, and lamps like this one demonstrate why her career was so successful. From the carefully modelled ceramic body, tactile relief decoration, and balanced proportions, the lamp is a perfect example of the Scandinavian ceramic tradition.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.94 in ø x 22.44 in H
40.5 cm ø x 57 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This table lamp is a masterful display of modern Scandinavian design’s sensibility and craftsmanship. Crafted in the mid-20th century, it captures the elegant interplay of form and function that defined Finnish lighting design of the era. The lamp showcases the masterful mix of traditional materials and skill that sets its era’s craftsmanship apart.
The lamp’s defining feature is its distinctive brass structure. The brass has a warm, polished finish that reflects light beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to any space. The lamp’s unique look is solidified by the striking custom made shade, which is carefully composed of thin wooden strips arranged in a rhythmic, vertical pattern. This natural material creates a beautiful effect, allowing the light to diffuse when the lamp is lit, creating an inviting atmosphere. The shade’s organic texture contrasts beautifully with the sleek brass frame, highlighting the Nordic appreciation for natural materials and honest construction. The round brass base anchors the piece, providing both stability and a refined, minimal foundation.
Whether used as a statement piece on a side table or as an accent on a console, this Finnish table lamp offers both sculptural beauty and practical illumination. It embodies the spirit of Nordic design through its balanced use of metal and wood, meticulous detailing, and a form that feels timeless and distinctly modern.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Some minor marks and scratches on the brass. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.45 in ø x 14.96 in H
24 cm ø x 38 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
During the second half of the 20th century, Danish ceramics increasingly found their way into domestic interiors through objects that combined sculptural form with everyday function. Ceramic table lamps became a natural extension of this tradition, allowing potters to experiment with glaze, proportion, and surface treatment while creating practical objects for the home. Jørgen Holstein was among the Danish ceramists active in Copenhagen during this period, producing distinctive handmade stoneware that reflects the era's design.
The lamp is defined by a tall, elegant ceramic body that rises from a rounded base into a long, slender neck, creating a silhouette with strong vertical emphasis. Finished in a dark cobalt-blue glaze, the surface displays subtle tonal variation that becomes more pronounced as light moves across the glossy finish. Delicate horizontal incised rings encircle the neck at regular intervals, introducing texture and a handmade charm without interrupting the simplicity of the form. The lower section is broader and softly rounded, providing a stable visual anchor before the body narrows upward. Paired with a wide geometric linen shade, the lamp achieves a pleasing contrast between the crisp volume of the shade and the slender ceramic base. The combination of saturated blue glaze, restrained decoration, and elegance gives the piece a quiet presence that is equally effective whether illuminated or displayed as a sculptural object.
Defined by verticality, this model is uniquely stylish and guaranteed to stand out. Adding illumination to a living space with this stylish table lamp will not only improve the ambience, it will also bring a piece of design history to the space. The lamp reflects the charm that can be only found in pieces from small Danish ceramic shops of the period.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ⌀ x 26.77 in H
40 cm ⌀ x 68 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Kähler Keramik, founded in Næstved in 1839, became one of the defining names in Danish studio ceramics through its combination of traditional craftsmanship and artistic experimentation. Under the direction of fourth-generation potter Nils Kähler, the workshop embraced a distinctly modern approach during the post-war decades, producing stoneware that emphasised sculptural form, richly developed glazes, and hand-worked surface decoration.
This model “613X31” pair exemplifies why table lamps were an important part of Kähler's ceramic tradition. Each lamp is a gently tapering cylindrical vessel, broadening from the neck towards the base. The stoneware is finished in a warm amber-brown glaze with a stand-out crackled surface that gives the ceramic remarkable visual depth. Geometric decorations cover both lamps, composed of alternating chevrons, spirals, and vertical linear motifs arranged in horizontal bands that wrap around the vessel. While the two pieces are not identical, they include exactly the right amount of symmetry to arrive at an impactful visual pair. Near the neck, a darker unglazed collar provides a visual transition to the brass fittings, while the restrained silhouette allows the richly textured decoration to remain the focal point. The softly scalloped textile shades introduce another layer of texture, their undulating edges echoing the rhythmic motifs below while diffusing a warm, even light. Together, the crisp incision, glossy glaze, and tactile fabric shades create a composition that rewards close inspection from every angle.
The pair demonstrates the close relationship between Danish studio pottery and interior design during the 1960s, when ceramic lighting became an extension of the country's celebrated stoneware tradition. Their balanced proportions, expressive surface decoration, and rich amber tone allow them to function equally as sculptural ceramic objects and as refined sources of ambient light.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamps have recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shades are a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the glazed stoneware, the lamps may have marks, and discolouration. These lamps are compatible with E26 / E27 standard fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ø x 21.26 in H
40 cm ø x 54 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Kähler Keramik, founded in Næstved in 1839, played a defining role in the development of Danish studio ceramics, combining generations of craftsmanship with an openness to artistic experimentation. Nils and Herman Kähler took over the family’s ceramic business in the 1940s. The brothers began their careers as designers, but fourth-generation potter Nils quickly assumed control of the artistic direction of the firm.
This lamp, attributed to Nils Kähler, produced during the 1960s features an expressive ceramic body. The lamp is composed of a tall, elegantly tapered stoneware body that narrows towards the neck. The lower section is wider and features a finely debossed geometric decoration, creating a rhythmic pattern that catches the light without interrupting the clean outline of the form. Its warm earthy glaze reveals subtle tonal variation across the surface, ranging from soft brown to muted olive. The upper section is left unadorned apart from delicate horizontal throwing rings that emphasise the hand-crafted nature of the piece. Paired with a curved textile shade, whose undulating edge echoes the organic character of the ceramic body, the lamp achieves a carefully balanced composition. The contrast between the smooth glazed surfaces, the tactile pattern, and the off-white shade gives the piece a quiet elegance.
More than a functional lighting object, the lamp demonstrates the close relationship between Danish studio pottery and interior design during the post-war decades. As an example of 1950s Scandinavian ceramics, it offers a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and everyday usability.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
13.98 in ø x 20.87 in H
35.5 cm ø x 53 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Art Deco, which emerged from the 1925 Paris Exposition, celebrated craftsmanship, modern materials, and stylised forms - balancing decorative flair with functional clarity. This striking table lamp exemplifies the bold, innovative design principles of the Art Deco movement, which dominated the later first half of the 20th century. The style merged modernity with opulence, drawing inspiration from industrial progress and the glamour of the Jazz Age.
This lamp is constructed out of a triple-stem body, in which three slender copper supports rise from a broad domed base before converging to create a unified form. This arrangement creates a sense of lightness while giving the base a sculptural character. The copper has acquired a rich patina over time, lending it a charming, lived-in feeling. A wide conical shade complements the composition, its crisp geometric profile contrasting with the softly rounded forms below. The restrained material palette allows the silhouette to take centre stage, while the careful proportions ensure that every element, from the unique base to the delicate neck beneath the socket, feels balanced. When illuminated, the broad shade casts a soft, even light that reinforces the lamp's calm, understated presence.
The European Art Deco movement was a beacon of innovation and style, and one of its timeless results was this copper table lamp. This piece of functional art epitomises the elegance and sophistication that characterised the era throughout Europe.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamp may have marks, scratches and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
19.68 in ø x 24.01 in H
50 cm ø x 61 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The mid-20th century emerged as a golden era in design where form seamlessly intertwined with function, giving rise to beautiful pieces that continue to captivate contemporary sensibilities, like this table lamp. Its maker, Jette Hellerøe started her career after studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and worked for a period at her father's workshop. In 1972, she opened her own workshop in Lønstrup with her husband Flemming Schouboe, where she created ceramics until 2001, where this piece was made.
Featuring a minimalist and functional form, with decorative details and high-quality materials, this table lamp is a unique addition to any space. The design has a clear focus on the ceramic body. The unique base features a beautiful and organic colour palette with illustrative details, giving a clear artistic touch. The body takes a rounded shape, providing the perfect contrast to the cylindrical fabric shade. The lower section stands out through an intricate relief decoration. As light falls across the pattern, the recessed areas catch the shadows while the raised elements become subtly highlighted, giving the base a shifting appearance. This table lamp is the embodiment of modern design’s widely loved characteristics. Danish craftspeople are experts at incorporating functional elements in a decorative way, serving a dual purpose as a result.
Hellerøe is particularly known for her sculptural works, vases, reliefs and lamps, which often have a characteristic Nordic and modernist expression. This table lamp is the perfect encapsulation of her work and the overall Scandinavian ceramic tradition.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ø x 23.62 in H
40 cm ø x 60 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most collected mid-century designers. Tynell was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturing company in Finland, Taito Oy. The present model “9224” table lamp is a well known design famous for its characteristic base design.
This model is better known as the "horseshoe" due to the shape of the foot and other features making it resemble Thoroughbreds. In a 1950s edition of the Finland House Lighting catalogue this lamp was nicknamed Thoroughbred, but interestingly enough, not because of the horseshoe-foot. The Thoroughbred is a hot-blooded racing horse breed known for its agility and physical features including a well-chiselled head, a long, slim neck and a lean body. Features that describe this lamp model as well. This version (there exist one with small holes on the reflector) has a funnel shaped brass reflector with a ring of perforated lines highlighting its widening shape. The reflector is lacquered white inside and can be adjusted in its position, functional elements that show Tynell’s consideration for the user and the lamp’s utilitarian role as well. The most distinct element however, remains the brass horseshoe base that balances the design both visually and literally as well. It is a sleek, modern element that makes this model immediately recognizable. It is connected to the shade by a straight neck wrapped entirely in leather. While Tynell’s company collaborated with up-and-coming talent as well as more established names such as Alvar Aalto, Tynell’s own designs are the most collected for their elegant brass forms, exquisite quality, and interesting play of materials.
A master craftsman himself, Tynell’s design is derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass as material. This table lamp showcases all his sensibilities that gained him worldwide fame and renown. This lamp is stamped by the Finnish manufacturer Idman Oy.
Condition:
In good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The brass reflector and foot have weather marks and patina.
Dimensions:
11.61 in W x 8.26 in D x 21.45 in H (shade is adjustable)
29.5 cm W x 21 cm D x 54.5 cm H (shade is adjustable)
Literature:
M. Aav, Paavo Tynell and Taito, exhibition catalogue, Ed. Designmuseo, Helsinki, 2005, model illustrated p. 21
Idman lighting catalogue, Helsinki, 1954, n°136. p.52
Idman lighting catalogue, Helsinki, n°142. p.80
About the designer:
Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) was an industrial designer, known as the great pioneer of Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed as “the man who illuminated Finland”.
Tynell was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy – the first industrial producer of lighting fixtures in Finland. With the innovation of electricity in the beginning of the 20th century, Taito Oy and Tynell expanded the thinking and manufacturing of modern lighting solutions in Europe and abroad.
Paavo Tynell rose to prominence in the 1930s and 40s when he collaborated with some of the most renowned Finnish architects, Alvar Aalto being the most notable one. Working to incorporate artificial lighting into modern environments, Tynell’s company Taito Oy produced fixtures for all of Alvar Aalto’s major projects. Tynell was especially appraised through his involvement with the Finland House, a design atelier in New York that showcased the work of Finnish designers and craftspeople. His elegant brass designs became an instant success in North America, and he began creating lighting designs for the prestigious American company, Lightolier.
Marked by delicacy and softness, his most famous forms in lightning echo the structures of nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling snowflakes and seashells. ~H.