Bertil Brisborg table lamp

This rare table lamp, designed by Bertil Brisborg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden during the 1950s, embodies the refined elegance and material richness that characterize mid-century Scandinavian design. Brisborg, known for his architectural sensibility and attention to craftsmanship, created lighting objects that balance function, proportion, and texture with understated luxury.

The lamp features a circular base and a slender vertical stem, both rendered in solid brass. The brass has developed a warm, natural patina that emphasizes its age and gives the piece a subdued yet sophisticated presence. Wrapping the central column is a meticulously handwoven leather band, which introduces a tactile, organic element. The leather, now aged and darkened from time, contrasts gently with the golden tone of the brass, reflecting the Scandinavian modernist interest in combining natural materials with modern construction.

The lamp is topped with its original pleated fabric lampshade, rendered in a soft, neutral tone. The shade diffuses the light evenly, providing a warm and ambient glow that complements the natural textures of the base materials. The pleated form adds a subtle decorative rhythm, echoing the careful detailing found in the rest of the lamp without overwhelming its restrained composition.

At the base, two small push-button switches are integrated symmetrically into the brass surface—an elegant and practical design solution consistent with the lamp’s overall precision. The underside of the base bears the stamped Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) manufacturer’s mark along with the model number, confirming the lamp’s provenance and original production.

Measuring 30 cm in both width and depth, and standing 62 cm high (approximately 11.8 x 11.8 x 24.4 inches), the lamp possesses a well-balanced scale suitable for a variety of interior settings, including desks, side tables, or bedroom nightstands. Its proportions and material palette allow it to function as both a decorative object and a source of ambient light.

Bertil Brisborg was a respected Swedish architect and designer whose work spanned from furniture and lighting to interior architecture. His contributions to Nordiska Kompaniet during the 1940s and 1950s aligned with the company’s reputation for producing furniture and decorative arts that emphasized quality, form, and innovation. NK, founded in the early 20th century, was one of Sweden’s premier design manufacturers and retailers, known for its collaborations with leading architects and designers of the period.

This lamp remains in good vintage condition, with signs of wear consistent with age and careful use. The leather wrap shows a pleasing patina, and the brass surfaces retain their structural integrity with light oxidation. The lampshade is original and well-preserved, adding to the piece’s historical and collectible value.