Hand-Thrown Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp, Denmark ca 1960s




































Hand-Thrown Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp, Denmark ca 1960s
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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. A generation of manufacturers that handcrafted stoneware to celebrate the individuality of each piece emerged. Their works placed equal emphasis on the ceramic body and its richly varied surface, as this table lamp showcases.
This lamp stands out through the clearly defined silhouette and unique glaze. The body widens slightly at the midpoint before tapering toward both the foot and the neck. This shape gives the lamp a structured, almost architectural presence, while still retaining a sense of softness through its rounded transitions. The glaze plays a central role in defining the object: it cascades from lighter tones at the top into darker, earthy hues toward the base, creating a subtle gradient effect. The surface retains slight irregularities, reflecting the handmade nature of the piece. Above, the broad shade introduces a strong geometric element, diffusing the light evenly and balancing the expressive base. The relationship between these two elements creates a cohesive and well-proportioned composition.
This balance of precision and handmade charm is characteristic of mid-century Danish ceramics, where material and process are allowed to remain visible, and so did the hand of the maker. As a result, the lamp functions not only as a source of light, but also as an expressive object that reflects the depth and quality of Denmark’s design tradition.
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:
13.97 in ø × 16.92 in H
35.5 cm ø x 43 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
During the second half of the 20th century, Danish ceramics increasingly found their way into domestic interiors through objects that combined sculptural form with everyday function. Ceramic table lamps became a natural extension of this tradition, allowing potters to experiment with glaze, proportion, and surface treatment while creating practical objects for the home. Jørgen Holstein was among the Danish ceramists active in Copenhagen during this period, producing distinctive handmade stoneware that reflects the era's design.
The lamp is defined by a tall, elegant ceramic body that rises from a rounded base into a long, slender neck, creating a silhouette with strong vertical emphasis. Finished in a dark cobalt-blue glaze, the surface displays subtle tonal variation that becomes more pronounced as light moves across the glossy finish. Delicate horizontal incised rings encircle the neck at regular intervals, introducing texture and a handmade charm without interrupting the simplicity of the form. The lower section is broader and softly rounded, providing a stable visual anchor before the body narrows upward. Paired with a wide geometric linen shade, the lamp achieves a pleasing contrast between the crisp volume of the shade and the slender ceramic base. The combination of saturated blue glaze, restrained decoration, and elegance gives the piece a quiet presence that is equally effective whether illuminated or displayed as a sculptural object.
Defined by verticality, this model is uniquely stylish and guaranteed to stand out. Adding illumination to a living space with this stylish table lamp will not only improve the ambience, it will also bring a piece of design history to the space. The lamp reflects the charm that can be only found in pieces from small Danish ceramic shops of the period.
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. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ⌀ x 26.77 in H
40 cm ⌀ x 68 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: 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: 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
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 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
REQUEST PRICE HERE
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 and rewired. 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: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
In Italy, the evolution of lighting design developed side by side with the post-war recovery after WWII. Designer lamps became more accessible, and the aesthetic and materials more experimental. This table lamp’s design shows this interesting and unique era’s marks in its clever solutions and use of materials.
The modern look of this lamp is achieved through the simple yet smart use of mediums. A continuous sheet of chromed metal was shaped to explore light diffusion, resulting in a piece that feels both contemporary and timeless. It carries an almost industrial quality, yet retains the refined edge of Italian mid-century design, encapsulating a harmonious interplay of light and shadow that casts a gentle, ambient glow. Composed of a base and a curved body that, from the side, resembles a capital ‘G’, the lamp’s form is both sculptural and functional. The sheen of the metal softens the light, producing a warm glow rather than a harsh beam. This choice of material also makes the lamp lightweight while maintaining its durability. Simplicity meets sophistication in this design, where craftsmanship and finish take center stage. The piece exudes a sense of artistic whimsy and individuality, embodying the best of its era. Italian lighting fixtures make striking focal points in any modern home and this table lamp is no exception.
Each component of this table lamp was designed with functionality and elegance in mind, culminating in a piece that transcends simple utility. It is a striking blend of form and function, a luminary that offers not just light, but also a touch of modern charm that can enhance the decor and warmth of an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Minor marks and scratches. Due to the nature and age of the material, item may have additional discolouration.
Dimensions:
10.63 in W x 8.66 in D x 12.59 in H
27 cm W x 22 cm D x 32 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This table lamp is a masterful display of modern Scandinavian design’s sensibility and craftsmanship. Crafted in the mid-20th century, it captures the elegant interplay of form and function that defined Finnish lighting design of the era. The lamp showcases the masterful mix of traditional materials and skill that sets its era’s craftsmanship apart.
The lamp’s defining feature is its distinctive brass structure. The brass has a warm, polished finish that reflects light beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to any space. The lamp’s unique look is solidified by the striking custom made shade, which is carefully composed of thin wooden strips arranged in a rhythmic, vertical pattern. This natural material creates a beautiful effect, allowing the light to diffuse when the lamp is lit, creating an inviting atmosphere. The shade’s organic texture contrasts beautifully with the sleek brass frame, highlighting the Nordic appreciation for natural materials and honest construction. The round brass base anchors the piece, providing both stability and a refined, minimal foundation.
Whether used as a statement piece on a side table or as an accent on a console, this Finnish table lamp offers both sculptural beauty and practical illumination. It embodies the spirit of Nordic 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 rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Some minor marks and scratches on the brass. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.45 in ø x 14.96 in H
24 cm ø x 38 cm H