Pair of Bertil Brisborg Table Lamps for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden Mid-20th Century (sold)




































Pair of Bertil Brisborg Table Lamps for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden Mid-20th Century (sold)
Designed in the mid-20th century, by Bertil Brisborg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet during the beginnings of the mid-century modern movement, this pair stands a striking example of postwar Scandinavian design. This period was marked by a commitment to functionalism, clean lines, and a nuanced interplay of materials. Apart from the aesthetics, the quality of these table lamps is also true to its Scandinavian heritage.
Thanks to Brisborg’s masterful sense of proportion, this model is perfectly balanced visually. Like many of the decade’s designs, these table lamps masterfully pairs different materials and textures. The mix of brass and leather creates an interesting visual effect, where the traditional look of the organic material meets the modern look of brass. The black lacquered metal lamp shades “crown” the bodies beautifully, while also completing the colour palette. The unique brass circles sitting on top of the shades make it appear as if the elongated necks pierce through the shades, which is a clever design element. The two bulbs provide warm light from each lamp, which brings a soft ambience, adding a touch of Scandinavian style to any space. The beautiful colour of the brass bases and necks and of the leather are emphasized even further when the light is turned on by the switch on the base. This pair’s vintage appeal and enduring style also make them a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of mid-century elegance to their decor.
Swedish lighting manufacturers were masters of creating designs with great textural and chromatic variety as these table lamps show: from the clean lines and the brass structure to the leather wrapped stem, this model is timeless. This lamp is a testament to both Bertil Brisborg and Nordiska Kompaniet's commitment to quality and style. NK's designs often featured clean lines, high-quality materials, and an emphasis on both form and function, making them highly sought after during the 20th century, as well as today.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired.
Dimensions:
11.81 in ø x 16.14 in H
30 cm ø x 41 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: 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: 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: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This handmade table lamp was designed by the brilliant Danish artist, Einar Johansen, and produced by Søholm Stentøj (Søholm stoneware). The manufactory was one of the oldest and most revered names in Danish ceramics. It was founded in Rønne on the Baltic island of Bornholm in 1835, and produced ceramics until the factory closed in 1996.
Like many of his contemporaries, Johansen originally trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, and that truly shows in his ceramic work. This table lamp has a beautiful sculptural ceramic body featuring a glaze in shades of white, brown, and blue, and a clear artistic touch. It is adorned with a distinctive decorative element on the body, displaying a sculptural motif shaped like fluted steps. The wide cylindrical shade features a light fabric, completing the piece and giving a warm, inviting feel to it. A balance between softness and structure characterises this piece, the heavy stone body is softened by gentle curves and crevices, as well as the pleasant warm light, creating exquisite harmony. With its playful design and intriguing glazing technique the table lamp provides plenty of visual interest. The overall aesthetic is essentially Nordic modern thanks to the combination of interesting material choices and a design that feels organic and natural.
In the middle of the 20th century, Einar Johansen created a wide range of stoneware which has become highly sought after by collectors today. His works tread a fine line between art and design; they are not just functional objects but pieces of decor that encapsulate the organic aesthetic of mid-20th century design.
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, and discolouration. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 10.24 in D x 19.09 in H
40.5 cm W x 26 cm D x 48.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This stylish table lamp is a delightfully distinctive model, with unique details and material choices. Produced by Karlskrona Lampfabrik in Sweden during the heyday of the mid-century modern movement, this rare model is just as stylish as it is elegant.
The structure is made of the ultimate material of the era’s lighting design, brass. Sweden was boasting in outstanding lighting manufacturers during the mid-20th century, but even in that repertoire this model stands out for its clever design. Like many of the decade’s designs, this table lamp masterfully pairs materials and textures. The mix of brass and leather creates an interesting visual effect, where the elegant and traditional look of the leather meets the modern aesthetic of the bright, polished brass. Swedish lighting designers were also masters of creating models with great texture variety as this table lamp shows. Crafted from bamboo, the shade elevates the lamp, offering both uniqueness, and an organic feel. Bamboo is a material traditionally associated with folk craftsmanship that reflects the commitment to preserving cultural roots while embracing contemporary design trends, making for a lovely effect when the light is on. Distinctive in numerous ways, this lamp showcases the versatility that characterised the mid-century era. Surpassing the strict functionality many designers were concerned with, this model is a whimsical representation of the innovative experimentation in Swedish lighting design. Thanks to the great sense of proportions and decorative elements, this model is perfectly balanced visually. This style’s recent popularity has much to do with the heart-warming light emitted from the lampshade that makes cramped spaces feel cosy.
Whether used as a statement piece on a side table or as an accent on a console, this model “2996” table lamp offers both sculptural beauty and practical illumination. It embodies the spirit of Scandinavian 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 reconditioned and rewired. The shade was custom-made by our in-house atelier. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the lamp may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additionally, the leather may develop a natural patina over time.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 8.07 in D x 20.86 in H
40.5 cm W x 20.5 cm D x 53 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
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Olle Alberius was one of Sweden's foremost ceramic and glass designers during the 20th century. After studying at the Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, he joined Rörstrand in 1963, where he designed both unique stoneware and glass pieces. Founded in 1726, Rörstrand is one of Sweden's oldest and most celebrated ceramic manufacturers, renowned for combining artistic innovation with exceptional craftsmanship over nearly three centuries.
Alberius' work for the company is admired for its refined forms, expressive glazes, and sensitive understanding of ceramic material, all qualities perfectly encapsulated in this table lamp. This table lamp is defined by its tall stoneware body, finished in a deep blue glaze that shifts in tone across the surface, from rich navy to smoky blue-grey. Near the base, three horizontal bands introduce a decorative accent that reinforces the architectural character of the form without interrupting its clean silhouette. Above, the broad conical shade reinforces the geometry of the base, its generous proportions balancing the height of the ceramic body while diffusing a warm, even light across its surface. Together, the crisp lines of the body and the luminous glaze create a composition that is both sculptural and elegant.
This table lamp exemplifies Alberius' ability to elevate everyday objects through careful proportion and masterful ceramic craftsmanship. The richness of the glaze, combined with the gracious design, gives the piece a timeless presence that works equally well as ambient lighting or as a focal point within an interior.
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:
19.69 in ø x 25 in H
50 cm ø x 63.5 cm H
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Italian designers and manufacturers were true pioneers of mid-century lighting design. Angelo Lelii, the 20th century Italian designer, created never-before-seen shapes and forms, and this unique floor lamp is a stunning example.
In Italy, the evolution of lighting fixtures happened side by side with the post-war recovery. Designer lamps became more accessible, and the aesthetics and materials turned towards a more experimental approach. This floor lamp’s design shows this interesting and unique era’s marks in its clever solutions and use of materials. The lacquered white shade stands out against the black body, functioning as the focal point of the design. The lamp’s proportions are carefully considered, tall enough to complement seating areas, yet visually unobtrusive making it as much an architectural element as a source of light. With its focus on quality, innovation, and timeless design, Arredoluce has consistently demonstrated its ability to create products that are both timeless and contemporary.
The marriage of straight and round lines and versatile materials and shapes in perfect harmony truly shows the Lelii’s skill. This lamp has many qualities that make it ideal to blend a stroke of modernity to any space, serving both a functional and a purely aesthetic role.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired.
Dimensions:
26.77 in W x 19.68 in D x 70.47 in H
68 cm W x 50 cm D x 179 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.
This lamp reflects that heritage, balancing decorative surface treatment with a pure and elegant silhouette. The model is formed as 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 surface that gives the ceramic remarkable visual depth. Geometric decorations cover the stoneware surface, composed of alternating chevron motifs wrapped around the body. The upper section is left unadorned apart from delicate horizontal throwing rings that emphasize the hand-crafted nature of the piece. The collar provides a visual transition to the fitting, while the restrained silhouette allows the richly textured decoration to remain the focal point. The big cylindrical shade balances out the detailed pattern while diffusing a warm, even light. Together, the body, glossy glaze, and tactile fabric create a composition that rewards close inspection.
The lamp 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. It seres just as well as a sculptural ceramic object and as refined source of ambient light.
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 stoneware, the lamp may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.90 in ø x 27.00 in H
40.5 cm ø x 68.5 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