Asea ceiling lamps

This pair of ceiling lamps was produced by ASEA in Sweden during the 1950s. The design reflects the restrained and technically refined approach characteristic of Swedish mid-century lighting, where clarity of form and controlled light diffusion were central principles. ASEA, originally founded in 1883 as Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget, was one of Sweden’s major industrial manufacturers and played a significant role in electrical engineering and lighting production throughout the twentieth century. During the post-war decades, the company developed a range of domestic lighting fixtures that combined industrial precision with Scandinavian modern aesthetics.

Each lamp consists of a slender brass suspension rod descending from a conical brass ceiling cup. The ceiling canopy has a softly flared profile with a circular base plate, showing a warm golden tone with visible patina, small darkened spots, and minor surface irregularities consistent with age and oxidation. The brass rods are straight and cylindrical, creating a strict vertical line that emphasizes proportion and spatial clarity. The surface retains its original finish with light wear and subtle marks from use, contributing to an even and natural aging of the material.

The shades are executed in opaline glass with a softly rounded, slightly tapered cylindrical form. The glass bodies widen gently toward the midsection before narrowing subtly toward the base, creating a balanced and volumetric silhouette. The surface is smooth and evenly matte, appearing white when unlit and emitting a warm, diffused glow when illuminated. The lower opening is defined and cleanly cut, allowing a measured downward light in addition to the ambient diffusion through the glass. The transition between brass and glass is handled with a discreet circular brass fitting that visually anchors the shade to the rod.

When lit, the lamps produce a soft and homogeneous light with a warm tonal gradient, slightly deeper toward the lower section due to the internal light source. The opaline glass effectively conceals the bulb, ensuring glare-free illumination suitable for dining areas, kitchens, or hallways. The overall composition demonstrates the 1950s Swedish emphasis on functional lighting combined with understated decorative presence.

Each lamp measures 25 cm in diameter and 130 cm in total height, corresponding to approximately 9.8 inches in diameter and 51.2 inches in height. The pair remains in good vintage condition with small signs of usage, including minor surface wear and natural patination to the brass components. The glass shades are intact and well preserved, maintaining their original surface quality and light-diffusing properties.