Table lamp

This rare table lamp, model number 4043, was produced by Einar Bäckströms Metallvarufabrik in Sweden and exemplifies mid-century Swedish modernist lighting through its refined geometry and material composition. Although the designer remains unidentified, the lamp reflects the functional elegance and simplicity that characterized Swedish lighting design in the 1950s and 1960s.

The lamp is constructed from brass and white lacquered metal. It features a circular base that provides stability and visual grounding, supporting a slender cylindrical stem in brass that rises vertically to meet a broad, flat, dome-shaped shade. The contrast between the warm tone of the patinated brass and the cool, clean surface of the white lacquer creates a visually balanced and modern appearance. The shade’s broad surface disperses light evenly, providing diffuse illumination that is both functional and atmospheric.

The brass components show a natural patina that has developed over time, offering a soft golden tone and subtle surface variation. The white lacquered finish on the shade remains intact, with minor surface marks and light wear that are consistent with age and typical use. These signs of use contribute to the piece’s authenticity and vintage character without detracting from its visual impact.

The lamp measures 40 cm in diameter (15.7 inches) and 46 cm in height (18.1 inches), making it well-suited for use on desks, side tables, or consoles. Its proportions and understated form allow it to function equally well as a task light or ambient lighting fixture.

Einar Bäckströms Metallvarufabrik was a Swedish manufacturer known for producing high-quality metal furnishings and lighting fixtures. Model 4043, with its restrained form and careful balance of materials, exemplifies the firm’s dedication to craftsmanship and the broader Scandinavian modernist ethos of simplicity, material integrity, and functional beauty.