Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp with Abstract Relief by Jette Hellerøe for Axella, Denmark 1970s


































Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp with Abstract Relief by Jette Hellerøe for Axella, Denmark 1970s
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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.
The piece features a slender, tapering ceramic base with a richly textured glaze. Its surface features tonal variations and a lovely abstract pattern. The base of this piece features decorative motifs which greatly add to the visual interest while also adding depth. This design reflects the approach that an object can be utilitarian yet still anchored in the artistic ceramic traditions that defined Danish craft throughout the mid-20th century. The fabric shade introduces a layer of warmth, diffusing the light into an ambient glow that complements the ceramic below. The earthy tones, ranging from muted browns to softer, lighter hues, reinforce the natural character of the ceramic, allowing the glaze to complement the texture rather than dominate it. What gives this lamp its presence is the way it feels anchored without appearing heavy. The form is simple, yet the surface carries enough detail to hold attention. Whether placed on a side table or console, its material qualities can be appreciated without needing excess ornament to stand out.
Jette Hellerøe’s designs represent the bulk of Axella’s pieces, 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 table lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the ceramic, the table lamp may have marks, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
13.78 in ø x 11.02 in H
35 cm ø x 28 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
During the 1960s, Danish ceramicists and lighting designers increasingly explored the relationship between sculpture and functionality. Manufacturers such as Søholm - one of Denmark’s most recognised ceramic companies of the period - became known for collaborating with designers who experimented with expressive glazing techniques while maintaining a balance between natural materials, craftsmanship, and the practicalities of everyday use. This pair of model “1020” table lamps reflect the era’s refined yet expressive approach to design.
Einar Johansen was a leading Danish ceramic designer of the mid-20th century, best known for his long collaboration with Søholm. Originally trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, he honed his artistic skills before helping define Scandinavian modernism’s emphasis on quality, organic forms, and artistic individuality. His works elevated everyday objects into expressive decorative pieces while preserving functional clarity. This model features a striking ceramic base accentuated by an ochre relief of a lotus root. The rich blue glaze introduces depth and tonal variation across the surface, while subtle shifts in colour emphasize the handmade character of the piece rather than objective perfection. These lamps reflect the Scandinavian ability to combine bold form with restrained elegance, resulting in a design that feels both playful and refined.
Timeless and expressive, these table lamps function not only as practical sources of light but also as carefully composed decorative objects. Firmly anchored within the golden age of postwar Scandinavian design, Johansen’s works tread a fine line between art and utility through his use of sculptural forms and deep experimentation with glaze chemistry. His celebrated “blue series” stoneware remains highly sought after by collectors today.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shades are later replacements. These lamps are compatible with E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 10.03 in D x 18.30 in H
40.5 cm W x 25.5 cm D x 46.5 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.
Johansen originally trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, and that truly shows in his ceramic work as well. 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 and 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 a piece of decor that encapsulates 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 stoneware, the lamp may have marks, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
18.31 in H x 13.98 in ø
46.5 cm H x 35.5 cm ø
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Søholm Stentøj was founded in 1835 in Rønne on the Danish island of Bornholm, where it developed into one of Denmark's best-known ceramic manufactories. For the company, the post-war decades saw a focus on artistic stoneware distinguished by rich glazes and sculptural forms. Lamps became an important part of this production, showcasing their attention to ceramic craftsmanship. Model “3007/S”, produced during the 1950s, is a fine example of the manufactory's exploration of expressive glazing and restrained Scandinavian form.
The lamp is formed as a tall, slender stoneware vessel that tapers gently towards the neck, creating a silhouette of remarkable simplicity. Its deep blue glaze gives the body a rich, even surface that emphasizes the clear form. A series of finely carved vertical lines adorns the lower half of the body, while additional ridges draw the eye upward toward the socket. These details catch the light differently from the glazed surface, introducing subtle texture and rhythm without disturbing the clean profile of the lamp. Their varying lengths ensure the design does not feel flat, maintaining visual interest. The body softly transitions into the narrow neck, while the woven cylindrical shade provides a tactile contrast to the smooth ceramic body. Rather than opting for a classic white fabric shade, the design is completed with a unique piece that adds character. Together, the clean geometry, carved decoration, and beautiful blue glaze create a composition that is both timeless and expressive.
This model “3007/S” table lamp demonstrates Søholm's mastery of stoneware during the post-war period, when ceramic lighting became an important extension of the Danish studio pottery tradition. This lamp’s presence will enrich a room not only through illumination but also through the history it quietly carries.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the stoneware, the lamp may have marks, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
11.22 in ø x 25.20 in H
28.5 cm ø x 64 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This Finnish table lamp is a masterful display of 20th century design’s sensibility and craftsmanship. Produced circa the 1930s, it captures the elegant interplay of form and function that defined Nordic lighting design of the era. The lamp showcases a masterful ceramic form crafted by Kerttu Suvanto-Vaajakallio for Kupittaan Savi.
Many of the works made at Kupittaan Savi bridge the gap between traditional handcrafted design and modernist sensibilities. During the first half of the 20th century, when the company was under Kerttu Suvanto-Vaajakallion’s creative direction, it greatly influenced the direction in which the decorative arts in Finland took. This beautiful table lamp is a lovely example of Kupittaan Savi and Suvanto-Vaajakallion’s collaboration and their commitment to innovation. The base of this piece has a plump, rounded profile that feels grounded and inviting. Its stoneware body is covered in a rich, layered glaze in dark earthy tones, creating a natural look. The surface displays texture, reminding of the material’s qualities. The combination of the stoneware and textile shade create a dialogue between weight and softness, cool ceramic and warm illumination. This interplay is what makes the lamp feel both functional and artistic. The overall aesthetic of this piece is essentially Nordic modern thanks to the combination of interesting materials, texture and a design inspired by nature. The stone body is softened by the horizontal grooves and the pleasant warm light, creating exquisite harmony.
As a whole, the lamp delivers exactly the qualities most sought-out in early Finnish modern design: craftsmanship, clarity, and a quiet but memorable character. This piece shows why Suvanto-Vaajakallio and Kupittaan Savi’s works are valued to this day. It fits in both traditional and contemporary interiors and has the kind of understated elegance that enhances a space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the 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:
16.14 in W x 10.04 in D x 19.09 in H
41 cm W x 25.5 cm D x 48.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Søholm was one of the oldest ceramic manufacturers in Denmark, founded in 1835 on the island of Bornholm, a region associated with high-quality pottery and craftsmanship. Over the course of the 20th century, the company developed a distinctive identity rooted in durable stoneware, tactile surfaces, and beautiful glazing techniques. Søholm’s production increasingly reflected the broader Scandinavian interest in combining functional objects with a more expressive, almost sculptural treatment of materials, resulting in pieces that feel both utilitarian and artistic.
This ceramic table lamp captures the refined yet tactile elegance of the manufacturer and of Danish design in the 1950s and 60s. Known for their mastery of glazing techniques and attention to form, Søholm produced pieces that are as much decor elements as they are functional lighting. The lamp’s structure showcases a square base with a longer neck that ends with a fabric shade. It is decorated with a particularly lovely glaze, full of colourful nuances. The earthy tones of the glaze, range from warm browns to sandy tones, highlights the richness of the stoneware and recalls the natural palette that often inspired Scandinavian ceramicists. Above, the softly tapered fabric shade introduces a visual lightness that contrasts beautifully with the ceramic. Its gently scalloped edge adds a subtle decorative detail while diffusing the light into a warm and inviting glow.
What makes this lamp particularly appealing is the contrast between its restrained form and its highly expressive materiality. The silhouette is simple, yet the surface reveals layer upon layer of visual interest through texture, colour, and craftsmanship. As both a lighting fixture and a ceramic object, this model reflects the enduring appeal of Danish stoneware from the 1950s, where utility and artistry were inseparable.
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:
15.75 in ø × 23.43 in H
40 cm ø x 59.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Founded on the Danish island of Bornholm in 1835, Søholm became one of the country's most respected ceramic manufacturers, at a time when when studio pottery enjoyed international acclaim. By the 1960s, the workshop had developed a distinctive visual language characterised by earthy glazes, bold relief decoration, and sculptural forms that blurred the boundary between functional objects and ceramic art. Many of its lamps reflect this approach, transforming stoneware into atmospheric lighting while celebrating the expressive qualities of the material.
Model “1208-3” is distinguished by the striking relationship between its slender neck and broad, rounded body. The lower section stands out through an intricate relief decoration composed of intersecting bands, creating a woven, basket-like motif that introduces remarkable depth and texture to the ceramic surface. As light falls across the pattern, the recessed areas catch shadow while the raised elements become subtly highlighted, giving the base a constantly shifting appearance. The earthy glaze further enriches this effect, blending warm browns, sandy beiges, and soft grey undertones that settle differently across the relief, emphasising the handmade character of each lamp. Above this body, the form narrows elegantly beneath the fitting, creating a graceful transition to the simple cylindrical shade. The geometry of the shade provides a deliberate counterpoint to the expressive ceramic below, allowing the base to remain the visual focal point while diffusing the light and balancing the form. The thought-out design and expert detailing reflect the qualities that characterises Søholm's finest ceramic lighting from the 1960s.
As a pair, the lamps create an immediate focal point within an interior. Combining the tactile qualities of handcrafted ceramics with the elegance of Danish modern lighting, they stand as refined examples of the enduring contribution of Scandinavian design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shades are a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the material, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
19.69 in ø x 25.59 in H
50 cm ø x 65 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Fridtjof Sejersen was a Danish ceramicist in the postwar period, known for his material experimentation and expressive surface work. From the early 1940s to the late 70s, through his company, Sejer Keramik, Sejersen explored the tactile and visual possibilities of chamotte clay and richly textured glazes. His work sits comfortably within the broader context of Danish modern design, where craftsmanship and artistic individuality were valued as much as functional clarity.
Rather than pursuing strict minimalism, Sejersen’s pieces emphasise depth, surface variation, and a bold handmade charm, giving them a strong presence while remaining rooted in mid-century design. This table lamp is a striking example of mid-century Danish ceramic design, combining the era's affinity for natural materials with an emphasis on uniqueness. This particular lamp features a round shaped body crafted from glazed chamotte stoneware, a type of ceramic known for its durability and textured finish. The body thus 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, mixing with blues in a flowing, organic pattern. The shade is made out of a light-toned fabric complementing the body through its wavy edge.
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. Beyond its practical use, it represents a moment in Danish design where studio ceramics and functional objects came together seamlessly.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the stoneware, the lamp may have marks, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
13.78 cm ø x 17.52 cm H
35 cm ø x 44.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Scandinavian countries, like Denmark, have achieved world-wide renown by incorporating a modern aesthetic into their traditional craft industries, resulting in era-defining pieces with an unparalleled inventiveness. Produced in the 1960s, this table lamp is a refined example of Danish design where craftsmanship and material experimentation meet timeless functionality.
The lamp’s bold, unique body sits with a grounded presence. The design highlights the ceramic, which shows the natural texture and handmade qualities. The top part of the body features a layered rounded detail, bringing even more visual interest into the composition. The darker tone of the top part creates a beautiful contrast against the light coloured lower body. To maintain the visual rhythm, the beautifully geometric shade brings back the tines of the base, resulting in a homogeneous design. Wherever the lamp is placed, it effortlessly enhances the mood with its refined, polished aesthetic. In addition to its visual appeal, this lamp stands as a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of the mid-20th century.
Both decorative and functional, this table lamp embodies the quiet sophistication that defines Danish mid-century lighting. As an authentic example of 1960s Danish ceramics, it offers a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and everyday usability. Stylish yet understated, the lamp stands as a refined expression of Palle Michael Degener and Kähler Keramik’s enduring design legacy.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the ceramic, the lamp may have marks, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
17.75 cm ø x 25.79 cm H
40 cm ø x 65.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
During the 1960s, Danish ceramicists and lighting designers increasingly explored the relationship between sculpture and functionality. Ernst Keramik was among the generation of manufacturers that handcrafted stoneware to celebrate the individuality of each piece. Their works placed equal emphasis on the ceramic body and its richly varied surface.
Rather than serving merely as a lamp, this piece by Ernst Keramik brings the character of studio pottery into the domestic interior through light, texture, and colour. The sculptural quality of this lamp lies in the striking geometry of its ceramic base. Rising like a column from a broad, faceted plinth, the body’s angular planes catch the light from every direction. The deep blue glaze shifts subtly across the surface, revealing tones that range from earthy browns to deep blues, with glossy highlights accentuating the irregular facets of the stoneware. The finish contrasts beautifully with the restrained shade above, whose simple silhouette allows the ceramic to remain the focal point.
The dialogue between sculptural form and atmospheric illumination gives this piece its enduring appeal. Equally compelling as a ceramic object and as a functional lamp, it reflects the confidence of Danish studio pottery during the period, when artisans increasingly blurred the boundaries between craft, design, and sculpture.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the 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:
8.66 in ø x 15.55 cm H
22 cm ø x 39.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The Danish design paradigm focuses on mixing practicality, modern aesthetics and expert craftsmanship. This table lamp is the embodiment of those widely loved characteristics.
The lamp’s base is composed of richly textured ceramic, its rounded shape featuring organic relief patterns catch and refract light even when unlit. The floral surface decoration, with its delicate leaves and petals gives the piece a tactile quality. A balance between softness and structure characterise this table lamp, as the ceramic body is softened by gentle curves of the shade and the pleasant warm light, creating exquisite harmony. Moreover, the glaze is layered and complex, shifting between deep and glossy blue highlights that catch and reflect the light. These details give the lamp a sense of movement and dynamism. When illuminated, the glaze gains additional warmth, and the lamp becomes both a functional light source and a sculptural object.
As a piece, this lamp works beautifully in interiors that value character and material honesty. It adds warmth and texture to a room, whether placed on a side table, shelf, or desk, and pairs easily with both modern and more traditional furnishings. Beyond its practical use, it represents a moment in Danish design where studio ceramics and functional objects came together seamlessly.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been rewired. Due to the age and nature of the ceramic, 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:
13.78 in ø x 16.73 in H
35 cm ø x 42.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Robert Bentsen was among the generation of Danish ceramicists who helped define the character of post-war stoneware production. During a period when Danish ceramics gained international recognition, designers focused on creating forms that highlighted the natural beauty of clay through texture, glazing, and proportion. Artists embraced the functional role of ceramics within the home, while producing pieces that combined artistic expression with the natural beauty of the material.
Model “378” is characterised by a bold body, with a silhouette that narrows from a thick, wide bottom into a thinner, contrasting neck. The stoneware body is enriched by a richly textured surface, where horizontal ridges emphasize the handmade quality of the piece. These ridges create variations in the glaze that subtly shifts in tone across the surface, ranging in earthy browns that catch the light across the shiny surface. The bottom introduces another eye catching detail, contrasting the texture above with a matte, unglazed segment. Above, the cylindrical drum shade introduces a geometric counterpoint to the organic quality of the curved ceramic. When illuminated, the light casts a warm glow that enhances the richness of the glaze and highlights the depth of the textured surface below.
What makes this lamp particularly appealing is the contrast between its restrained form and its highly expressive materiality. The silhouette is simple, yet the surface reveals layer upon layer of visual interest through texture, colour, and craftsmanship. As both a lighting fixture and a ceramic object, model “378” reflects the enduring appeal of Danish stoneware from the 1960s, where utility and artistry were inseparable.
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 and scratches. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.74 in W x 8.66 in D x 16.92 in H
40 cm W x 22 cm D x 43 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