Brass Pendant Light with Opal Glass Shade, Europe 1960s






































Brass Pendant Light with Opal Glass Shade, Europe 1960s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Pendant lights occupied a central role in mid-century European interiors, particularly as designers began treating lighting as an architectural element where form followed function to create beautiful models. The most successful examples relied on simple geometries and a careful selection of materials, using glass and metal to control both the appearance of the fixture and the quality of the light it produced.
This pendant lamp embraces that philosophy through its clean, tapering silhouette. The shade is formed from opal glass in a conical shape that creates an elegant transition from the narrow brass fitting above. The glass diffuses light evenly across its surface, producing a warm glow while concealing the bulb within. Above the shade, the brass mount introduces a subtle metallic accent that continues through the slender suspension rod, fixed to the ceiling through another conical element, ensuring visual coherence. The continuity of these elements give the lamp a strong presence despite its relative simple geometry. The contrast between the smooth, luminous glass and the reflective brass creates visual depth without disturbing the simplicity of the composition.
When suspended, the lamp appears light, succeeding through its clarity: every component serves a purpose, and nothing feels excessive. This combination of refined proportions, warm materials, and soft illumination explains why fixtures of this kind continue to feel relevant in contemporary 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 lamp may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. This pendant light is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
7.88 in ø x 31.10 in H
20 cm ø x 79 cm H
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
In 1918, Paavo Tynell, “the man who illuminated Finland” co-founded the metalwork and lighting company Taito Oy, the first industrial producer of lighting fixtures in Finland. He worked as the company’s CEO and chief designer until 1953, during which time his creativity brought the world numerous iconic designs. Tynell created lighting models for various public spaces, such as Helsinki’s Parliament House and the office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
In the early to mid-20th century, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this 1937 model “2016” milk glass ceiling lamp. This piece embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised early modern Finnish design. Still, even in the absence of ornamentation or elaborate shapes and forms, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or transparent pure ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, 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 to decorate households as home accents. To complement the glass, a nickel-plated base connects the shade to the ceiling, offering the lamp a cool sheen even when unlit. This lamp has a gentle, round shape that is just as soft as the light it diffuses. Milk glass was popular in the 1950s, due in part to its ability to soften and diffuse light, as this model demonstrates.
The 20th century was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. Model “2016” is a modernist design to its core with a look that can integrate and complement any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The metal structure has some marks and scratches. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have discolouration and imperfections. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
6.49 in W x 6.49 in D x 4.33 in H
16.5 cm W x 16.5 cm D x 11 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell was one of Finland’s most important lighting designers and came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland”, thanks to his notable lighting models. As a master craftsman, Tynell’s designs combined a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility and an extensive use of glass and brass. His work with Idman followed the company’s acquisition of the majority of shares in Taito Oy in 1953, after which Tynell continued designing on a freelance basis.
This pair of model “80113” ceiling lamps embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish lighting design of the mid-century period. Tynell’s designs merge together simple shapes and carefully considered materials. Each lamp has an eye-catching, shallow milk glass shade with a broad upper section and a softly curved lower profile. The opaque ivory-white glass conceals the light source while allowing the illumination to spread evenly across the entire shade. The edges are just as soft as the light the lamps emit, giving the glass an organic shape despite the simplicity of the design. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holders, the lamps are flush mounted without any prominent exposed parts other than the glass shades. This keeps the construction visually clean and leaves the attention on the material and the quality of the illumination. When lit, the milk glass produces a warm, atmospheric glow and emphasises the smooth curvature of the shades. Used as a pair, the repetition of the same compact form creates an effective rhythm across a ceiling while distributing light over a larger area.
The best qualities of Finnish mid-century light fixtures are their atmospheric glow and disciplined, functional design, and this pair embodies these qualities particularly well. Their construction makes them suitable for hallways, bedrooms or rooms with lower ceilings, while the simple glass forms integrate naturally into the surrounding architecture. Combining Tynell’s sensitivity to light with Idman’s Finnish manufacture, the model “80113” lamps offer an elegant example of his more restrained ceiling designs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned. There are minor dents and scratches in the metal. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamp may have marks, 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:
9.84 in ø x 4.72 in H
25 cm ø x 12 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell was one of Finland’s most important lighting designers and came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland”, thanks to his notable models. As a master craftsman, his designs combined a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility and an extensive use of glass and brass. His work with Idman followed the company’s acquisition of the majority of shares in Taito Oy in 1953, after which Tynell continued designing on a freelance basis.
This set of four Model “80113” ceiling lamps embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish lighting design of the mid-century period. Tynell’s designs merge together simple shapes and carefully considered materials. Each lamp has an eye-catching, shallow rounded milk glass shade with a broad upper section and a softly curved lower profile. The opaque ivory-white glass conceals the light source while allowing the illumination to spread evenly across the entire shade. The edges are just as soft as the light the lamps emit, giving the glass an organic shape despite the simplicity of the design. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holders, the lamps are flush mounted without any prominent exposed parts other than the glass shades. This keeps the construction visually clean and leaves the attention on the material and the quality of the illumination. When lit, the milk glass produces a warm, atmospheric glow and emphasises the smooth curvature of the shades. Used as a set, the repetition of the same compact form creates an effective rhythm across a ceiling while distributing light over a larger area.
The best qualities of Finnish mid-century light fixtures are their atmospheric glow and disciplined, functional design, and these lamps embody those qualities particularly well. The construction makes them suitable for hallways, bedrooms or rooms with lower ceilings, while the simple glass forms integrate naturally into the surrounding architecture. Combining Tynell’s sensitivity to light with Idman’s Finnish manufacture, the model “80113” lamps offer an elegant example of his more restrained ceiling designs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamps have 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:
9.84 in ø x 4.72 in H
25 cm ø x 12 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
ASEA, founded in 1883, was a Swedish electrotechnical company that became an important part of the country’s electrical industry. The company began developing lighting for Swedish homes in the early 20th century, with its lighting production particularly prolific from the 1930s through the 1960s. This five-armed chandelier from circa 1950s represents a beautiful example of Swedish lighting.
This chandelier is constructed from an elegant metal frame with five arms arranged symmetrically around the centre. Long cords descend from the upper section before flowing outward to support the individual light points, creating an open structure with a strong vertical rhythm. Each brass arm terminates in a dark conical shade holder that continues into a tapered fabric shade. The contrast between the metal and the broad shades gives the lamp much of its character. The shades widen towards their open upper edges and are angled slightly outward, forming a flower-like arrangement around the centre. The opal glass that constructs the shades softens the light into a warm glow that has the power to balance the sharper quality of the dark metal elements. Above, through a simple black canopy, twisted cords ensure stability while giving the chandelier a light appearance despite its size. The symmetrical arrangement keeps the five shades separated, distributing the light evenly around the fixture.
The best qualities of Swedish mid-century lighting are often found in the combination of atmospheric illumination, disciplined construction and distinctive design details, all clearly represented in this ASEA chandelier. Its form gives it considerable presence without creating a visually heavy mass below the ceiling, making it particularly effective above a dining table or at the centre of a living area.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp have recently been reconditioned and rewired. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Imperfections on the glass may be present due to age and manufacturing inconsistencies. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
26.37 in W x 25.59 in D x 24.4 in H
67 cm W x 65 cm D x 62 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Maison Arlus, a French lighting design company, was founded in the early 20th century by Robert and Jean Arlus. The company quickly gained recognition for its innovative and stylish lighting fixtures characterised by their use of high-quality materials and focus on unique design, like this one.
The form of this wall lamp assumes a more minimalist look at first glance, yet is coupled with subtle decorative elements that add to the uniqueness of the piece. This lamp features an ebonised wooden that holds the shade. Rather than hiding the material under paint, ebonisation treats the wood from the inside to a deep black tone that allows the natural grain to remain visible. This allows the piece to project the elegance and impact of genuine ebony, while maintaining a lighter weight. On the other hand, the shade is made of opal glass. Its opacity conceals the light sources and diffuses the illumination evenly, producing a warm, atmospheric glow. The cylindric shade juxtaposes the square base, creating a beautiful visual effect. The contrast is also chromatic, with the off-white shade sitting within the dark wood. Additionally, the diamond brass element completes the look with a touch of sophistication. Today, we consider the mid-century era a golden age for lighting design. During these decades, some of the most significant luminaries were created, and remain highly sought-after today.
Over the years, Maison Arlus collaborated with a number of notable designers, including Jacques Biny, Pierre Guariche, and Michel Buffet, and continued to produce a wide range of lighting fixtures that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This French table lamp is a statement piece that draws the eye despite its relative simplicity. While the three main materials dictate the look, much attention was paid to their quality and to the craftsmanship.
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, chips and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with a B22 fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
4.84 in ø x 12.99 in H
12.3 cm ø x 33 cm H