Edward Hald & Erik Tidstrand ceiling lamp
The lamp is constructed around a slender vertical metal stem extending from a bell-shaped ceiling canopy to the glass shade. Above the bowl, a series of delicately curved metal arms radiate outward and downward, each supporting a vertical arrangement of transparent, faceted glass beads terminating in larger teardrop-shaped crystal pendants. Their cascading arrangement creates a fountain-like silhouette, introducing movement and lightness to the otherwise symmetrical composition. The nickel-plated metal has a soft, silvery finish that complements the transparency of the suspended glass elements.
The broad glass shade has a gently flared profile, rising from a rounded, ribbed central section toward a thin, slightly scalloped rim. Its surface is decorated with a repeating pattern of stylized foliage and fan-shaped botanical forms, engraved into the glass with considerable precision. The ornamentation is arranged symmetrically around the circumference, with alternating vertical leaf motifs and radiating linear patterns. A small, decorative metal finial completes the underside of the bowl. When illuminated, the warm peach-colored glass diffuses the light into a soft amber glow, while the engraved details become more pronounced through the contrast between the translucent surface and the carved ornamentation.
Edward Hald (1883–1980) was one of Sweden’s most influential glass designers during the early 20th century. Originally trained as a painter, he joined Orrefors in 1917 and played an important role in developing the company’s artistic identity. Alongside Simon Gate, Hald helped establish Orrefors as an internationally recognized producer of decorative art glass, particularly through his work with engraved glass and the development of sophisticated decorative techniques. His designs frequently incorporated classical references, stylized natural motifs, and carefully balanced proportions, characteristics closely associated with the Swedish Grace movement.
Erik Tidstrand was a Swedish designer associated with Nordiska Kompaniet, the Stockholm department store and furniture manufacturer that played an important role in promoting modern Swedish interiors during the early 20th century. NK collaborated with prominent artists, architects, and manufacturers to develop furniture, lighting, and decorative objects for both private residences and public interiors. The collaboration between Hald, Tidstrand, Orrefors, and NK reflects the close relationship between artistic glass production and interior design during the 1920s.
Swedish Grace emerged during the 1920s as a distinctive Scandinavian interpretation of neoclassicism, characterized by restrained ornamentation, elegant proportions, and the combination of traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. The style often incorporated stylized botanical motifs, classical architectural references, and luxurious materials without the excessive decoration associated with earlier historicist movements. Model 27719 exemplifies these qualities through its balanced construction, delicately engraved glass, and decorative crystal elements, combining the refinement of Swedish glassmaking with the formal clarity of the period.
The lamp is in good vintage condition, with minor signs of age and use consistent with its period. The glass shade retains its distinctive warm coloration and engraved decoration, while the nickel-plated metal components display a subtle patina. The faceted crystal pendants contribute to the lamp’s decorative character and reflect the light from the illuminated shade.
The lamp measures 51.5 cm (20.3 in) in diameter and 95 cm (37.4 in) in height.
Literature
Featured in the Nordiska Kompaniet catalogue and archives in 1929.
Dimensions (cm) | H: 95 / ⌀: 51.5 |
| Producer | NK Nordiska Kompaniet, Orrefors |
| Decade | 1920s |
| Country | Sweden |
| Style | Swedish Grace |
| Material | Glass, Nickel plated metal |
| Designed in | 1920s |
| Item Number | 250896 |
Edward Hald
Erik Tidstrand
Erik Tidstrand (1876–1944) was a Swedish designer and interior architect, best known for his important contribution to Swedish lighting design during the first half of the 20th century. As head of Nordiska Kompaniet’s lighting department for s...
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