Art Nouveau Brass Table Lamp with Iridescent Glass Shade, Europe early 20th century (sold)




















Art Nouveau Brass Table Lamp with Iridescent Glass Shade, Europe early 20th century (sold)
In the dimly lit room, the ethereal glow of this Art Nouveau brass table lamp with an iridescent glass dome is sure to captivate the beholder, transporting them to the bygone era of the early 1900s. This magnificent piece of functional art embodies the essence of Art Nouveau, a movement that emerged as a breath of fresh air in the world of design, seamlessly blending the boundaries between functionality and aesthetics.
The lamp's design is a testament to the organic and sinuous forms synonymous with the Art Nouveau movement, and weaves a delicate dance of nature-inspired motifs, shapes, and forms. The base of the lamp, fashioned from finely worked brass, takes on the appearance of sinuous tendrils with a delicately curving neck. These elements echo the inherent beauty found in the natural world, as if the lamp itself were a manifestation of organic growth frozen in time. At the summit of this sculptural piece is a mesmerizing iridescent glass shade, suspended like a delicate blossom. The glass, an iridescent canvas of enchanting hues, swirls with a play of colours and patterns, predominantly adorned with yellows and blues that create an artistic look. The patterns add an enchanting dynamism to the lamp's luminosity. The “pièce de résistance”, the main design element however, remains the intricately crafted hanging glass shade. The glass, meticulously hand-blown, takes on the form of a blossom, delicately capturing and diffusing the soft light emanating from within. The predominant yellow and blue patterns infuse the space with a sense of serenity and timeless elegance when the lamp is lit.
In the broader context of design history, Art Nouveau stands in stark contrast to its successor, Art Deco. While Art Deco exudes a streamlined and geometric aesthetic, Art Nouveau revels in the embrace of natural, flowing lines and asymmetry. The brass construction of this lamp, with its gracefully curved lines and sweeping curves, exemplifies the deviance from the stifling constraints of previous design trends. This Art Nouveau brass table lamp, a convergence of artistic expression and functional craftsmanship, serves as a captivating portal to an era that celebrated the harmonious marriage of nature and design. It not only illuminates its surroundings but also illuminates the enduring allure of a movement that sought to capture the fleeting beauty of the natural world in every carefully crafted detail.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass has a beautiful patina with some marks and discolouration.
Dimensions:
5.11 in W x 7.08 in D x 13.18 in H
13 cm W x 18 cm D x 33, 5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This pair of table lamps was designed by Danish artist Einar Johansen and produced by Søholm Stentøj. The manufactory was one of the oldest names in Danish ceramics, founded in Rønne on the Baltic island of Bornholm in 1835 and remaining in production until 1996. Johansen trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, an artistic background that is evident in the strong use of colour, relief and surface throughout his ceramic work.
Each lamp has a compact stoneware body covered in a richly varied glaze of deep blue, brown and golden highlights. The surfaces are adorned with distinctive decorative elements on the body, displaying sculptural motifs shaped like fluted steps running down the sides and creating separated sections. Glaze gathers differently across these ridges and recesses, allowing it to emphasise the depth of the decoration. The rounded bodies taper at the necks, creating a clear transition between the dense ceramic bases and the broad shades above. Both lamps are paired with wide fabric shades in a warm natural tone. Their visible texture and softly diffused light complement the strong ceramic surfaces below. The overall aesthetic is essentially Nordic modern thanks to the combination of interesting material choices and a design that feels organic and natural.
During the middle of the twentieth century, Einar Johansen created a wide range of stoneware for Søholm that combined functional forms with a distinctly artistic treatment of ceramic surfaces. Presented as a pair, these lamps have an especially strong decorative presence; they are not just functional objects but pieces of art that encapsulate the organic aesthetic of mid-20th century design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shades are later replacements. Due to the nature and age of the material, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. These lamps are compatible with E26 / E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
13.98 in ø × 17.91 in H
35.5 cm ø x 45.5 cm H