Birger Ekman ceiling lamp

This very rare ceiling lamp, designed by Birger Ekman and produced by Glössner & Co in Sweden, is a remarkable example of Swedish modern lighting with strong Art Deco influences. It combines sculptural geometry with fine materials, resulting in a piece that is both architecturally bold and refined in execution.

The construction is centered around a rectangular brass framework, composed of sharply defined lines and ridged side panels that create a symmetrical and visually grounded structure. The brass surfaces have developed a warm patina, contributing to the vintage authenticity of the piece while preserving its original golden luster. The brass detailing includes both smooth and textured finishes, which catch and reflect light in subtle ways, adding visual depth to the composition.

Fitted along the length of the brass structure are multiple frosted glass shades, each finely textured with a patterned surface that diffuses light evenly. The glass has a soft opacity that produces a warm, ambient illumination, and the textural finish enhances the glow by refracting light across its surface. These shades are not only functional but also add a decorative rhythm to the design, contrasting gently with the sharper linearity of the brass body.

The lamp’s form is carefully proportioned and balanced. The overall geometry—with its horizontal emphasis and rectilinear core—recalls elements of 1930s Art Deco design, yet it is tempered by the Scandinavian restraint in ornamentation. The result is a lighting fixture that feels both historically grounded and timeless, well-suited for large interior spaces requiring both presence and sophistication.

Condition-wise, the lamp is very well preserved. The brass surfaces exhibit a light patina consistent with age, adding character without affecting the material’s integrity. The glass elements are intact and free from cracks or chips, retaining their full clarity and textural quality.

Birger Ekman was a Swedish designer known for his work in lighting and interior architecture during the mid-20th century. His collaboration with Glössner & Co—a Swedish firm recognized for producing architecturally scaled, high-quality lighting—resulted in a number of sophisticated and enduring designs. This particular ceiling lamp reflects Ekman’s ability to combine structural clarity with a decorative sensibility rooted in both functionalism and classicism.

The lamp measures 125 cm in length, 27 cm in width, and 80 cm in height. In inches, this corresponds approximately to 49.2 inches long, 10.6 inches wide, and 31.5 inches high.