Large Glazed Stoneware Table Lamp by Tue Poulsen, Denmark ca 1950s (sold)




































Large Glazed Stoneware Table Lamp by Tue Poulsen, Denmark ca 1950s (sold)
Tue Poulsen is a highly accomplished artist who established his permanent gallery and studio in Denmark in the 1960s. As a ceramicist, his work ranges widely: from large, heavy sculptures, mastodons in stoneware, to the very light and thin, almost transparent porcelain cast. Experimenting with different materials - sometimes combining clay with iron, steel, wood, acrylic or even ice - his work reflects Scandinavian design principles: a mix between practicality, modern aesthetics and expert craftsmanship.
This Danish table lamp highlights the modern movement’s use of exquisite materials, shapes and textures in order to create an elegant and practical piece. The natural qualities of the stoneware, combined with the bold body and glaze, transform this table lamp model into an exceptional example of Danish talent and craftsmanship. The stoneware body offers the piece a natural feel enhanced by the organic relief pattern. The appreciation of nature and simplicity can also be observed through the earthy tones of the lamp, from deep black, to rusty brown and sandy beige. At the same time, the wider cylindrical form of the base is visually balanced by the narrow neck supporting the drum shade. The off-white fabric of the shade is similarly organic-looking. When lit, the fabric grain stands out even more, and matches the colour scheme of the textured glaze.
The overall aesthetic of this piece is essentially Nordic modern thanks to the combination of interesting materials, and the design inspired by nature. This Tue Poulsen table lamp feels unique, yet comfortingly familiar, being the perfect addition when it comes to interior decor.
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.
Dimensions:
19.68 in ø x 31.29 in H
50 cm ø x 79.5 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
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
REQUEST PRICE HERE
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
This table lamp was designed by the brilliant Danish artist, Einar Johansen, and produced by Søholm Stentøj (Søholm Stoneware), a pottery studio located on the island of Bornholm. Johansen was a leading Danish ceramic designer of the mid-20th century. He originally trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen where he honed his artistic skills before his employment at Søholm Stentøj.
This model “1052” table lamp features a striking ceramic base defined by geometric facets that create a strong, architectural form. The sharp angles, combined with the rich colour of the ceramic remind almost of a raw crystal or precious stone. The rich blue glaze introduces depth and tonal variation across the surface. Subtle shifts in colour emphasise the handmade character of the piece, striving to transmit the unique charm of the piece. The wide conical shade complete the look, its wide form balancing the body and ensuring that the glow is distributed beautifully throughout any room the lamp is placed in. The lamp reflects the Scandinavian ability to combine bold form with restrained elegance. With its playful design and intriguing glazing technique the table lamp provides plenty of visual interest.
Danish ceramic design of this period balanced functional clarity with artistic individuality to elevate everyday objects. The pieces that came as a result continue to impress to this day. Timeless and expressive, this table lamp works effortlessly as both a functional light source and a decorative accent.
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 material, 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 23.62 in H
50 cm ø x 60 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
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.
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
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Founded by Philipp Rosenthal in Selb, Germany, in 1879, Rosenthal began as a porcelain painting business before establishing its own porcelain factory in 1891. From an early stage, the company combined porcelain manufacturing with an interest in contemporary design. Fast forward to 1950, Philip Rosenthal Jr. joined the company and became closely involved with product design, eventually playing a decisive role in its development. He created Rosenthal studio-line, giving a distinct identity to the company’s more design-focused production and its collaborations with contemporary artists, designers and architects.
This 1970s ceramic table lamp belongs to that later period, when Rosenthal’s long tradition of ceramic manufacturing was increasingly connected with international modern design. The ceramic base has a bold bottle-shaped profile, with a broad cylindrical lower body flowing into a narrow neck. Shallow vertical ridges run around the body, subtly breaking up the curved surface and creating highlights and shadows. The glaze is rich, combining rusty browns and amber tones across the surface. A broad cylindrical fabric shade sits at the top, its generous width echoing the bold and plump ceramic beneath it. When illuminated, the warm textile filters the light softly and brings out the deep colour of the glossy glaze, allowing the ceramic surface to become animated.
The lamp has a strong presence without requiring an elaborate form, while the subtle details give the ceramic enough character to remain interesting. Its classic form and quality reflect the generational tradition of great ceramicists and designers that came together to build the history of Rosenthal’s studio-line.
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:
15.74 in ø × 22.63 in H
40 cm ø x 57.5 cm H