Carl-Axel Acking ceiling lamps

These rare ceiling lamps, designed by Carl-Axel Acking and produced by ASEA in Sweden, are refined examples of mid-20th-century Scandinavian lighting. They exemplify Acking’s sensitivity to proportion, material, and light modulation. The lamps feature a vertically suspended configuration comprising a slender brass rod and a pear-shaped diffuser made from opaline glass. The combination of materials—translucent glass and polished brass—creates a subtle tension between warmth and clarity, opacity and sheen.

The opaline glass diffuser is elegantly formed, with a gentle taper toward the top and a broader, rounded base. This shape allows light to disperse evenly while softening glare, resulting in a warm and atmospheric illumination. The surface of the glass is matte and smooth, displaying the milky translucency typical of high-quality opaline. The brass stem has a polished finish that may show mild patina, characteristic of vintage brass components, further emphasizing the lamp’s authenticity and age.

In terms of condition, the glass elements are exceptionally well-preserved with no cracks, chips, or discoloration. The brass retains its original tone, with slight surface oxidation that aligns with the piece’s mid-century origin.

Carl-Axel Acking, an influential Swedish architect and designer, was noted for his integration of architectural clarity and restrained elegance in both furniture and lighting. His work often paired luxurious materials with minimal form. The collaboration with ASEA—a major Swedish lighting manufacturer known for technically precise and visually refined fixtures—was part of a broader movement in which industrial production met design innovation during Sweden’s postwar design renaissance.

These lamps reflect Acking’s approach to minimalist sculptural lighting while offering functional, evenly distributed light suitable for both residential and institutional interiors.

Dimensions: 40 cm diameter × 90 cm height
In inches: 15.7 in Ø × 35.4 in height