Einar Johansen table lamp

This rare table lamp, designed by Einar Johansen and produced by Søholm Stentøj in Denmark during the 1960s, is a distinctive piece that exemplifies the fusion of sculptural form and functional design within the context of Scandinavian ceramic artistry. Known for his work in stoneware, Johansen brought a nuanced understanding of glaze and form to Søholm’s mid-century lighting and decorative ceramics.

The lamp’s ceramic base features a refined silhouette that transitions from a square footprint into an elegantly tapering neck. This shift in geometry—from grounded and structural to slim and vertical—is both aesthetically balanced and functionally stable. The shape supports the lamp’s visual presence as a sculptural object, while still adhering to the simplicity and clarity typical of Danish modern design.

What truly defines the lamp is its complex, multi-tonal glaze. The surface is dominated by a rich, glossy cobalt blue that flows across the form with slight irregularity, highlighting the handcrafted nature of the piece. Toward the base and upper neck, the blue glaze gives way to warmer earth tones—browns, ochres, and softened neutrals—that melt into the surrounding surfaces with organic variation. These transitional areas are not abrupt but gently blended, lending the lamp a sense of depth and material movement. The high-gloss finish amplifies the glaze’s reflective qualities, allowing the color and texture to shift subtly depending on lighting conditions.

The ceramic surface displays fine detail and intentional variation in the glaze application, underscoring the artisanal character of the lamp. These subtle irregularities—hallmarks of hand-thrown and kiln-fired ceramics—give each example a unique identity. The base bears the original Søholm Stentøj stamp, the model number, and Johansen’s signature monogram, confirming its authenticity and place within the Søholm catalog of the period.

Measuring 12 cm in width and 55 cm in height (approximately 4.7 x 21.7 inches), the lamp has a slender, vertical profile that makes it well-suited for a variety of interior settings, from bedside and console tables to desks and living room accents. Its expressive glaze and tactile ceramic form allow it to serve both as a lighting source and as an object of visual interest.

The lamp is sold without a shade, offering flexibility for the buyer to choose a complementary form and material. A linen or parchment shade in a neutral tone would highlight the richness of the glaze, while a bold or textural option could accentuate the lamp’s sculptural qualities.

Einar Johansen was a Danish ceramist whose work for Søholm during the 1950s and 1960s helped define a generation of modern ceramic design. Søholm, based on the island of Bornholm, was a key player in mid-century Danish ceramics, known for high-quality stoneware and experimental glazes. This lamp represents both Johansen’s mastery of form and Søholm’s commitment to craftsmanship.

In very good vintage condition, the lamp retains its full visual integrity, with minor age-related wear consistent with its age and use. The glaze is well-preserved, and the base remains structurally sound.

As a collectible piece of Scandinavian mid-century design, this lamp offers a compelling combination of ceramic artistry, functional elegance, and enduring material quality.