Pair of Glazed Ceramic Table Lamps by Inger Persson for Rörstrand Ateljé, Sweden ca 1960s
Pair of Glazed Ceramic Table Lamps by Inger Persson for Rörstrand Ateljé, Sweden ca 1960s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Inger Persson (1936–2021) was one of the leading figures of twentieth-century Swedish ceramic design. After studying at Konstfack in Stockholm, she joined Rörstrand in 1959 at only twenty-two years old, during what is widely regarded as the factory's golden age. Working alongside celebrated designers such as Carl-Harry Stålhane, Marianne Westman, and Hertha Bengtsson, Persson developed a highly personal design language characterised by strong forms, rich glazes, and a willingness to move between functional objects and more sculptural creations. Her work is represented in the collections of Sweden's Nationalmuseum, and she remains one of the most recognised names associated with Rörstrand's artistic legacy today.
This pair of table lamps demonstrates Persson's sensitivity to surface and material. The cylindrical stoneware bodies are divided into distinct horizontal bands, each treated with a different glaze. Deep black sections frame the composition above and below, while a speckled band creates a striking contrast through rich brown and off white tones at the centre. Rather than relying on elaborate modelling, the lamps derive their visual interest from the interaction between colour, texture, and the subtle variations created during firing. The vertical form allows the glazes to remain the focal point, emphasising the ceramic quality rather than disguising them as purely functional objects. Above, the pleated fabric shades introduce a softer texture and a warm diffused light that complements the earthy palette of the stoneware.
Persson spent much of her career exploring how simple forms could be transformed through glaze and surface treatment, a quality that is clearly visible here. The lamps function not only as sources of light but also as examples of the experimental ceramic work that made Rörstrand internationally respected during the second half of the twentieth century.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned and rewired. Due to the age and nature of the material, the items may have marks, and discolouration. These lamps are compatible with an E27 / E26 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ø x 24.41 in H
40 cm ø x 62 cm H
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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.
Model “648” is defined by a compact, well-balanced silhouette, with a broad rounded body that transitions gracefully into a slender neck before supporting the bulb socket and shade. The lower half is decorated with geometric motifs separated into vertical bands, each panel individually carved to create a rhythmic pattern of abstract forms. Finished in a speckled grey glaze through the carved ridges, the relief catches the light across its raised and recessed surfaces, emphasising the varied textures. Above, attention is paid to the neck as well; its sandy glaze and rich look showcase the organic feel characteristic of handmade pieces. The shade with its undulating edge completes the design, adding yet another layer of visual interest, while the restrained palette allows the ceramic craftsmanship to remain the focal point. Overall, this piece embodies the perfect balance between a functional source of light and a decorative ceramic object.
Jette Hellerøe’s designs represent the bulk of Axella pieces remaining, 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 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:
15.94 in ø x 22.44 in H
40.5 cm ø x 57 cm H