Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamp by Itsu, Finland Mid-20th Century




































Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamp by Itsu, Finland Mid-20th Century
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Itsu, short for Itä-Suomen Sähkö (eng. Eastern Finland Electricity), was a small, lesser-known manufacturer that produced characteristic models in small quantities. By the 1950s, Finland had established itself as a force for innovation in design. The best qualities of Finnish light fixtures’ are their atmospheric light and disciplined, functionalist design that is not shorn of subtle decorative elements. This brass and opal wall lamp represents an era in which Finland saw the birth of many of its most iconic lighting models.
This wall lamp utilises the mid-century era’s popular combination of brass and glass; the elongated bell shaped shades create a play of shadows and show off the frosted glass when its two light points are lit. The pairing of the bell shaped shades and long stems create a tulip-like silhouette. Accentuating these shapes is the polished brass that features a nice patina. Overall, the composition of the “tulips” and clever decorative elements give this wall lamp a personality that isn’t loud but still stands out, which is an essential Finnish design virtue. The refined and unique work of Finnish lighting designers has made their creations increasingly valued by collectors in the know.
Finnish mid-century design is celebrated for its minimalist sophistication, organic feel, and impeccable attention to detail. These characteristics are perfectly captured in this wall lamp, making it a wonderful addition to an array of interiors.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Minor imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting.
Dimensions:
9.45 in W × 4.53 in D × 22.05 in H
24 cm W x 11.5 cm D x 56 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Valinte Oy, established in Finland during a time of great design exploration, was known for its commitment to crafting distinctive lighting solutions. The company was celebrated for its attention to detail and ability to merge form and function seamlessly. Valinte Oy's designs have always embodied the spirit of Finnish craftsmanship and have often incorporated elements of nature, evoking a sense of purity and simplicity.
Lights like this pair can easily create an intimate and cosy experience in a dining room or enhance the ambience of a living room with a warm glow, without creating harsh shadows. These lamps can also draw attention to any architectural element, guiding the eye with a strong first impression. Crafted from brass and opal glass, and thanks to its minimalist form and neutral colour palette, they are quintessentially Finnish modern. Opal glass is durable and resistant to heat, which made it suitable for the functional demands of lighting fixtures. Furthermore, the material allows for a wide range of shapes and designs, thus designers often took advantage of its versatility, shaping it into intriguing and organic forms that could transform a room while being a piece of art in themselves. This adaptability gave designers the creative freedom to experiment and innovate, resulting in lighting fixtures such as this model: both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Another distinctive detail of this lamp pair is the brass netting around the bottom part of the shades. The harmonious fusion of opal glass and brass in this model showcases the maker's dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
As a whole, the lamps embody the understated elegance of Finnish design during the mid-20th century. They bring together a thoughtful form and sensitivity that feels distinctly Nordic. As functional objects, the pair offers illumination that feels inviting and enveloping. This balance of sculptural character and atmospheric softness is what makes the pair resonate so strongly today, fitting seamlessly into various interiors.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. There are minor dents and scratches in the metal. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamps may have marks, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting.
Dimensions:
5.12 in ø x 35.43 in H
13 cm ø x 90 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. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting.
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
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman, Tynell’s designs were reflective of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as materials.
This lamp embodies the sleek and straightforward aesthetic that characterised Finnish design in the 1930s. Even in the absence of ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting, high-quality materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or translucent pure ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, and was known as Lattimo. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century when the material was used as home accents to decorate households. This lamp is a mid-century example of the beauty of this material, rooted in its history. It has an eye-catching blunted cone shape with a strong presence, sticking out quite literally. Still, the edges are just as soft as the light this lamp diffuses. Thanks to the concealed aluminium ceiling holder, this lamp is flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shade. Tynell was a master of working with milk glass, and his lamps made of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.
Finnish designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques in the 20th century. At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's lamps perfectly embody these qualities, with clean lines, and a peculiar, but functional design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
9.84 in ø x 11.42 in H
25 cm ø x 29 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Lighting is a huge part of Danish and Scandinavian design more broadly, ranging from the warm, low light of a candle to the bright overhead glow of a chandelier. This wall lamp is a unique piece of functionalist design with unmistakable touches of Art Deco.
Wall lights are a timeless type of fixture that can easily elevate their surroundings. These lamps never go out of style, and have been in use for centuries for good reason. The simple style of this piece is clean with a straightforwardly modern look. The lamp features a brass frame holding an opal glass shade held by a brass stem. The metal frame provides a tonal contrast to the opal glass shade, as well as safely securing the model to the wall. The proportions are meticulously balanced, allowing the shade to appear weightless when looked at straight on. The choice of materials and shape of the design truly highlights the aesthetic of era. The piece is particularly adaptable, capable of blending into a range of interiors while still offering a refined point of interest. It reflects a side of Scandinavian design that prioritises atmosphere and usability, where even the most modest objects are shaped with intention and care.
A model like this can create an intimate and cosy experience in a dining room or enhance the ambience of a living room with a warm glow, without creating harsh shadows. This lamp is sure to be a lovely addition to any interior space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has minor marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
7.87 in W x 22.04 in D x 12.99 in H
20 cm W x 56 cm D x 33 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
ASEA, founded in 1883, was a Swedish electro-technical company that became an important part of the country’s electrical industry. The company’s production extended across a wide range of equipment, including lighting, and its long manufacturing history placed it firmly within Sweden’s development of electrical technology. This set of three ceiling lamps represents the simple yet effective ethos that characterises much Scandinavian mid-century lighting, prioritising functionality, carefully judged proportions and the quality of illumination.
These lamps have an eye-catching rounded shape, with the edges just as soft as the light they diffuse. Each shade is formed entirely from opal glass, widening gently toward the ceiling before curving inward around the lower opening. The smooth transition between these rounded surfaces gives the shades a compact, almost bowl-like profile, while the opaque white glass keeps the form visually uniform. The use of opal glass is central to the design. When illuminated, it softens and disperses the light across the entire shade, producing a warm and balanced glow while concealing the light source within. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holders, the lamps are flush-mounted without any prominent exposed parts other than the opal glass shades. Their relatively shallow projection keeps them close to the ceiling, allowing the glass itself to remain the focal point. Used as a set of three, the repetition of the same rounded form creates a particularly effective rhythm across a ceiling while distributing light over a larger area.
One of the strengths of Nordic lighting manufacture is its ability to integrate naturally into architecture and interior decor, and these ASEA lamps are particularly successful in that respect. Their flush-mounted construction makes them suitable for rooms where ceiling height is limited, as well as larger spaces where the three fixtures can be arranged together. Simple in construction but atmospheric when illuminated, the set offers an excellent way to introduce warm, diffused light while retaining the clean character associated with Swedish mid-century design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The ceiling lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. There are minor dents and scratches in the metal. Due to the age and nature of the glass, the lamps may have marks, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. These lamps are compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All of our lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.45 in ø x 4.33 in H
24 cm ø x 11 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Danish Modern is an era that defined an essential chapter in design history. Denmark was placed on the world map for its groundbreaking craftsmanship and mid-century modern furniture. This wall lamp displays some of the essential ideals of the style: streamlined modernism accompanied by a functional, timeless design with decorative elements.
This wall lamp features a dynamic brass body that extends outward to hold a stunning glass shade. This wall lamp reflects the danish modern philosophy through its graceful lines, adjustable construction, and thoughtful use of natural materials. The model unfolds through a series of elegant bends that give the brass arm a distinct visual quality. Extending confidently from the wall, the articulated arm allows the light to be positioned with flexibility while creating a striking linear composition. Rather than opting for a classic fabric shade, the designer chose glass as a material. The milky glass contrasts beautifully with the polished brass structure. The shade filters the light, producing a soft, atmospheric glow that enhances the comforting character of the design. Every transition between horizontal and vertical lines feels effortless, revealing the Danish remarkable ability to transform a functional mechanism into something sculptural.
Today we consider the mid-century era a golden age for Scandinavian design and craftsmanship. During these decades, some of the country's most significant luminaires were made, including this exceptional wall sconce.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.05 in W x 31.1 in D x 9.44 in H
23 cm W x 79 cm D x 24 cm H