Christian Dell table lamp
This rare double table lamp was designed by Christian Dell and produced by Bünte & Remmler in Germany during the 1930s. It represents a notable example of early industrial design within the Art Deco movement, combining clean geometric forms, high-quality materials, and functional precision.
The lamp’s structure comprises a central black lacquered cylindrical base and column from which two chrome-plated arms extend horizontally in opposite directions. Each arm terminates in a pivoting lamp head finished in black enamel, allowing for adjustable directional lighting. The shades feature a tapered conical silhouette, designed to focus light downward, making the lamp ideal for desk or task use. The minimalist construction is balanced by subtle decorative details at the base and joints, reflecting the functional yet refined aesthetic of the Art Deco period.
Materials include chrome-plated tubular metal and black lacquered components, consistent with modernist manufacturing techniques of the interwar years. The chrome and enamel surfaces exhibit a natural patina with age-appropriate wear, contributing to the piece’s authenticity and character. The lamp is in very good condition, with both lights fully operational and all structural elements intact.
Christian Dell (1893–1974) was a German silversmith and industrial designer best known for his role as master craftsman at the Bauhaus metal workshop and for his influential lighting designs. His work is distinguished by precision engineering and innovative use of bent and tubular metal. During the 1920s and 30s, Dell collaborated with manufacturers such as Bünte & Remmler, producing lamps that combined mechanical elegance with practical usability.
Bünte & Remmler, based in Frankfurt, was a respected German lighting manufacturer active in the early 20th century. Its collaboration with Dell represents a significant chapter in industrial lighting design, producing models that bridged Bauhaus principles and the broader Art Deco style.
Stylistically, the lamp blends Art Deco and early modernist design elements. Its symmetry, exposed functional structure, and careful proportions typify the transitional aesthetics of the 1930s. The dual-arm design is uncommon and likely produced in limited quantities, enhancing its rarity and collectible status.
The lamp measures 92 cm in width, 19 cm in depth, and 59 cm in height (approximately 36.22 x 7.48 x 23.23 inches).
Dimensions (cm) | W: 92 / D: 19 / H: 59 |
Producer | Bünte & Remmler |
Color | Black, Silver |
Decade | 1930s |
Country | Germany |
Style | Art Deco |
Material | Chrome, Lacquer, Metal |
Designed in | 1930s |
Item Number | 126916 |
Christian Dell