Hans Bergström ceiling lamp

This very rare ceiling lamp, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden during the 1940s, stands as a significant example of early Scandinavian modern lighting design. It embodies Bergström’s signature synthesis of material sensitivity, botanical inspiration, and structural clarity—key attributes that would define mid-century Swedish design and influence generations of lighting designers.

The chandelier is organized around a circular brass frame, from which eight elegantly curved arms radiate outward in a symmetrical, balanced formation. Each arm terminates in a flower-like arrangement, with petal-form brass holders that delicately cradle softly rounded opaline glass shades. These glass elements, original to the piece, are made from white opaline glass with a smooth, matte finish that diffuses light evenly and warmly. Their translucent surfaces glow gently when illuminated, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the fixture.

The brass structure has developed a warm, aged patina over time, showing surface variations and signs of wear that are consistent with its mid-20th-century origin. This natural oxidation adds depth to the fixture and reinforces its vintage authenticity. The contrast between the richly patinated brass and the pristine opaline glass shades underscores the dialogue between permanence and delicacy—a theme that recurs throughout Bergström’s body of work.

The lamp is suspended from a coordinating brass ceiling mount via a system of finely tensioned wires, which not only distribute the weight of the fixture evenly but also contribute to its visual lightness. This floating quality gives the chandelier a sculptural presence, allowing it to command attention while maintaining a sense of openness and grace.

Measuring 100 cm in diameter and 75 cm in height (39.4 × 29.5 inches), the chandelier is generously scaled for larger interior volumes, yet its proportional harmony and understated elegance make it suitable for a range of architectural settings. Its form is rooted in functional clarity, yet elevated by decorative gestures that reference natural motifs and artisanal detailing.

Hans Bergström, who co-founded Ateljé Lyktan in 1934, was instrumental in shaping the aesthetics and philosophy of Swedish lighting design. He often drew inspiration from organic forms and combined traditional materials such as brass and glass with modernist spatial principles. This ceiling lamp exemplifies his mature work, where the technical demands of lighting are integrated seamlessly with visual poetry.