Knud Christensen Brass Wall Lamps for Elit Agentur Randers, Denmark 1970s (sold)


























Knud Christensen Brass Wall Lamps for Elit Agentur Randers, Denmark 1970s (sold)
This pair of wall lamps was designed by Knud Christensen in Denmark during the 1970s, an era in which Denmark saw the birth of many of its most iconic lighting models. It was a period of consistency, excellence and sophistication design wise.
The so-called Golden Age of Scandinavian design spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s, producing many of the designs now regarded as of the ‘classics’ of the Scandinavian Modern aesthetic. These brass wall lamps feature characteristics that fall in that category of a classic Scandinavian aesthetic, and some that are specific to Christensen’s work. The designer - somewhat of a mystery despite many of his models being well-known - had a strong preference for functionality combined with lacquered metal and brass. This pair has adjustable heads that are capable to be adjusted into the preferred angle to provide directed light. Furthermore, the base has an on-of pull switch for easy handling. The brass dome shades create an essentially modern look, while also showcasing the material. Christensen’s ability to connect line and material is especially visible in this pair of wall lamps. After the Golden Age there was a lull in international taste for the Nordic aesthetic; a tide that was first turned by the emergence of a retro-cult for these furniture pieces. This pair is perfect to provide this coveted aesthetic to any space.
These lamps were manufactured by the Elit Agentur Randers in Denmark. The company was specializing in lighting and worked with numerous noted designers. These lamps feature the maker’s mark on the inside of the bases with 703c, which may refer to the model’s number.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Brass has some marks and scratches.
Dimensions:
7.67 in W x 4.13 in H
19.5 cm Ø x 10.5 cm H
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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: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell is regarded as one of Finland’s pioneering lighting designers, celebrated for his poetic approach that merged natural inspiration with refined craftsmanship. Working for his company, Taito Oy, during the first half of the 20th century, Tynell was instrumental in shaping the character of Finnish lighting design. His creations often combined brass, glass, and delicate detailing, resulting in fixtures that feel timeless and sophisticated. This hanging lamp, model “1004”, is an exemplary representation of Tynell's artistic vision and technical mastery.
This uniquely decorated hanging lamp was designed in an era in which Finland saw the birth of many of its most iconic lighting models. It was a period of consistency, excellence, and sophistication design wise. Despite its age, this ceiling light has a hint of Art Deco in its design, with sinuous lines and pronounced decorative elements. One of the defining features of 20th century lighting is its marriage of functionality and aesthetics; the era's designers believed that a well-made lighting fixture could serve a practical purpose while also acting as a piece of art, and this lamp is a testament to this sentiment. Moreover, brass was very much one of the most popular materials of the era, and when combined with glass, a sleek shiny look can be created, like this model exemplifies. This material duo makes sense from both a functional and visual standpoint. Not only is brass corrosion-resistant and durable, but it withstands the test of time, developing a beautiful patina as the years go by. Moreover, on the list of decorative elements are the ring on the finial, the rod adorned with a floral element, the curves of the arms, and finally, the way the rod connects to the canopy. These features make this hanging lamp an early example of Tynell’s expressiveness that drew inspiration from previous design movements and eras.
Tynell was a master of peculiar decorative elements that never feel tacky or excessive and this is mainly thanks to his great sense of balance. In 1918 Tynell founded Oy Taito AB, which eventually became the Finnish lighting industry trendsetter during the interwar period. This rare model from the 1930s can easily draw all the attention while not compromising on quality and functionality.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chandelier has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the brass, it may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. The brass is patinated. This lamp is compatible with an E27 standard fitting.
Dimensions:
12.2 in W × 8.1 in D × 27.2 in H
31 cm W x 20.5 cm D x 69 cm H
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
With a legacy spanning over seven decades, Hans-Agne Jakobsson redefined modern design by seamlessly blending form and function. His designs’ unique quality lies in effortlessly infusing Scandinavian simplicity with a touch of innovation, resulting in pieces that transcend time, like this "G-20" floor lamp.
While Jakobsson designed and produced various types of furniture, his lighting received greater international attention - and not without good reason, as this lamp showcases. The craftsmanship involved in creating this piece is evident in the seamless construction and attention to detail. This “G20” model couples brass and fabric, creating a beautiful modern look. This very rare model consists of a pleated fabric shade that is supported by a thin brass pole. The shade, which is closed at the top, difuses the light evenly and gives a beautiful subdued light that is very characteristic for the work of Hans-Agne Jakobsson. At the top of the stem, there is a signature brass ring that can be found on multiple of Jakobsson’s designs, such as on the “B99” table lamp. The heavy foot that keeps the lamp firmly in place, is made of cast iron.
This lamp is a testament to the enduring appeal of Swedish modern design and to Hans-Agne Jakobsson's lasting legacy as one of the movement's most significant contributors.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade was custom made by our in-house atelier. The brass has minor marks and scratches. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the lamp may have discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fittings. We recommend using LED bulbs. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
12.6 in Ø x 50.01 in H
32 cm Ø x 127 cm H
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Carl Auböck II was born in Vienna, Austria in 1900. After finishing the School of Graphic Design and the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, he attended the Bauhaus and joined a small group of artists in becoming the founding members of the now legendary school.
This pair of “Vice Versa” floor lamps reflects a fascination with sculptural simplicity and materials, while representing a unique piece of design history. The model, first thought to be created by Auböck 1952, has caused a debate within the design world decades after it was first issued. Within Denmark, the “Vice Versa” lamp was widely sold under the label of Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen, a key figure of Scandinavian design. The controversy still surrounds the model today, however what is undisputed is its beauty. Each lamp is composed of a slender black lacquered metal stem rising from a circular weighted base, creating a simple vertical silhouette. At the top sits the defining feature: a shade placed on a round metal holder. The shade can be reversed and re-positioned, allowing the direction and character of the light to shift depending on its placement. This element reflects Bauhaus functionality principles while still feeling elegant. Despite the minimal construction, the lamps have a strong sculptural presence, particularly through the balance between the thin stem and the oversized curved reflector that mirrors the conical base and ties in the design.
In 1925, Karl Heinrich Auböck passed away at the age of 53, leaving Carl II and the sculptor Mara Uckunowa, Carl’s wife, to take over operations of the Werkstätte at 23 Bernardgasse. In 1954 Carl Auböck II was awarded four gold medals at the Milan Triennale for designing a range of metalware, and pieces like this pair of lamps stand as proof of his genius.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shades are a later replacement and can be positioned in two different ways. Due to the nature of and age of the material, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The lamps are compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. We recommend using LED bulbs. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
10.04 in ⌀ x 58.46 in H
25.5 cm ⌀ x 148.5 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: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank has had an enormous impact on the history of Swedish design. Despite being nearly 50 years old when emigrating to Sweden, he is now widely recognised as one of the country’s most important designers of all time.
This beautiful piece attributed to Frank is characterised by its distinctive marriage of materials. The model combines brass and fabric in a way that is emblematic of the era's fascination with contrast. When looking at the materials’ finish, the glossy sheen of the warm brass accents stands out against the fabric. The shades diffuse the light into a gentle, ambient glow that softens the surroundings. The proportions are meticulously balanced, allowing the curved and pleated shades to appear weightless when admired. Though understated, every element demonstrates Frank’s mastery of form and proportion, where technical precision and visual grace coexist seamlessly. The lamps embody the modern pursuit of beauty, an aesthetic guided not by excess, but by the harmony between light, material, and function, that come together to create gentle forms.
The timeless appeal of these wall lamps is a reminder of an era when designers were free to explore new horizons in crafting distinctive and captivating lighting fixtures that continue to inspire and illuminate our lives today. Their compact scale and sculptural silhouette allow the pair to function both as lighting and as a wall-mounted decor within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The shades were custom made by our in-house atelier. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
6.49 in W x 4.52 in D x 12 in H
16.5 cm W x 11.5 cm D x 30.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
During the 1950s and 1960s, European lighting focused on lamps that were no longer conceived solely as light sources but as multifunctional objects, incorporating features that enhanced every-day living. Pieces like this floor lamp show how elements such as shelving, magazine racks, or display surfaces were incorporated into designs. This approach reflected the period's emphasis on practical living and efficient use of space, while maintaining the clean lines and carefully balanced proportions that defined mid-century interiors.
The lamp is constructed around a slender wooden column rising from a unique tripod wooden base, whose splayed legs provide both stability and a light visual footprint. Three circular glass shelves are positioned at different heights along the wooden body, creating a sculptural arrangement that appears to float around the central column. Their transparent surfaces preserve the openness of the design while providing practical resting places for books, glasses, or small decorative objects. The vertical composition is carefully balanced, with the broad shade anchoring the upper section while the offset glass offers visual interest to the otherwise restrained silhouette. The contrast between the warmth of the timber, the transparency of the glass and the classic wide shade gives the lamp a layered character, allowing it to function equally well as lighting, additional table space, and sculptural furnishing.
Combining illumination with integrated storage, the lamp exemplifies the inventive versatility that characterised a lot of European mid-century furniture. The thoughtful composition and restrained material palette allow it to serve its user while maintaining the elegant, architectural presence of a standalone design object.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade was custom made by our in-house atelier. 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:
23.62 in ø × 68.7 in H
60 cm ø x 174.5 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
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This model “15490” table lamp was made by Swedish designer and sculptor, Harald Notini. He was the artistic leader at Böhlmarks and is represented at the “Nationalmuseum” in Stockholm. Between the 1920s and 1950s, Böhlmarks was a significant player in the Swedish design movement. Harald Notini, after becoming creative director in 1916, drove the company forward producing what were considered pioneering and distinctive luminaires for the time.
Wherever they are placed, table lamps have been used as practical and decorative focal points since the early 20th century. As this piece showcases, designers managed to master the art of soft, cosy light without blinding or crushing space perception. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this model is a testament to the aesthetic sensibilities and commitment to quality of both Notini and Böhlmarks. Unlike many designs that relied on elaborate detailing, Notini allowed proportion and material to carry the visual impact. The softly tapered profile of the shade complements the verticality of the base while diffusing the light into a warm and inviting glow. The stem is grounded by a brass sphere with four curved legs stabilizing it, creating a simple yet unique elevated base. Overall, the distinctive design of this table lamp represents mid-century modernism in its purest form, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Its design not only illuminates a space but also adds a sculptural element, making it both a quintessential example of mid-century modern lighting and an interesting visual accent in any interior.
Arvid Böhlmark's lamp factory was a Swedish importer and manufacturer of lighting fixtures between 1872 and 1977. In 1947, at the company's 75th anniversary, Böhlmarks was still counted as Sweden's largest company in its category. As this model shows, their lighting pieces were of the highest quality both in material and visual terms.
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:
13.8 in ø x 17.5 in H
35 cm ø x 44.5 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Hans Bergström’s designs are just as scarce today as the information available on the Swedish designer, despite his undeniable quality of output. Guided by the mantra, “Light must be white and shine freely,” he designed and produced functional and modern fixtures that were intended to brighten up entire spaces.
The beauty of these stylish lamps lies in the combination of materials, including the accent wooden necks, the brass elements and the scalloped edged shades. The pairing of brass and wood creates an interesting visual effect, where the organic and traditional look of the wood meets the modern look of brass. Swedish lighting manufacturers, like ASEA, were masters of creating designs with great textural variety - as this lovely table lamp shows. The brass elements tie the materials together in a design that is indeed innovative and modern, yet still fresh to the contemporary eye. The beautiful colours and textures of the materials are further emphasised when the light is turned on by the switch on the base. This elegant pair casts an atmospheric light and thus contributes to the warmth of an interior but also fits perfectly on an elegant surface.
This lamp model effortlessly shows off Bergström’s creativity that he always paired with structural precision and material quality. Hans Bergström had a modernist approach based on quality and attention to detail, and was the favourite lighting designer of many fellow architects, among them Bruno Mathsson.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shades are later replacements. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items may have marks, and discolouration. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.35 in ⌀ x 22.63 in H
39 cm ⌀ x 57.5 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
Hans-Agne Jakobsson was one of the central figures of Swedish lighting design during the post-war decades. After training as both a carpenter and architect, he founded his own company in Markaryd in 1951, where he developed lighting that softened the harsher qualities of electric illumination through beautiful shades, natural materials, and restrained forms.
Jakobsson designed this pair of wall lamps in the mid-20th century. It was a revolutionary period in design throughout Scandinavia, where function and form merged in the most intriguing ways. The designer prized the marriage of form and function, with a poise that is hard to imitate or force. The shape and materials of the shades set the overall aesthetic of these lamps. The opaque glass is made into a bulbous form with a that narrows towards the bottom, held securely by the brass shade holders. The holders feel airy, slender, and minimal, allowing the focus to be on the shades and the light they emit. The brass construction also creates a rich, warm glow, enhancing the light while exuding a sense of effortless sophistication. The mid-20th century was defined by leading Swedish designers’ sleek and innovative modernist creations, and Jakobsson’s prowess is evident here as these lamps can both stand out or blend into a room, depending on the interior style.
Sconces are a timeless type of lighting fixture that can easily elevate their surroundings. These fixtures never go out of style and have been in use for centuries for good reason. This model is reflective of a time when creativity knew no bounds, and designers were free to explore new horizons in crafting captivating lighting fixtures.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Minor marks and scratches are present. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
5.9 in W x 8.85 in D x 9.05 in H
15 cm W x 22.5 cm D x 23 cm H