Gunnar Eklöf ceiling lamp
This rare ceiling lamp, attributed to Gunnar Eklöf and produced by Corona Belysningskultur in Sweden, exemplifies mid-20th-century Scandinavian lighting design with a distinctive blend of decorative detail and structural refinement. Likely created during the 1950s or early 1960s, the lamp reflects both the functional elegance and the ornamental restraint that defined Swedish modernist lighting of the period.
The lamp features a well-balanced combination of materials: brass, lacquered metal, and glass. The frame is constructed from warm-toned brass, which has developed a gentle patina over time, giving the piece a soft luster and vintage character. The defining element of the design is a cylindrical wire structure that encloses the central light source. This open brass framework is adorned with stylized starburst or rosette motifs at regular intervals, a decorative detail that subtly references earlier Art Deco influences while remaining firmly grounded in mid-century modern aesthetics.
Housed within the outer frame is a gently tapering glass lampshade, formed in soft ivory-toned opaline glass. The shade narrows slightly toward the top and bottom, adding a sculptural dynamic to the vertical silhouette. This opaline glass diffuses the light warmly and evenly, creating a soft ambient glow that contrasts effectively with the reflective brass frame.
The lacquered metal elements, likely forming the structural supports or the canopy, retain a clean, period-appropriate finish with minor signs of wear, consistent with careful use and age. The overall condition is very good. The brass components show natural oxidation and patina, while the glass shade is intact, free from cracks, chips, or other damage.
The lamp measures 30 cm in diameter (11.8 inches) and 55 cm in height (21.7 inches), making it ideal for medium-height ceilings and spaces such as entryways, dining rooms, or alcoves where decorative lighting is both functional and visually engaging.
Gunnar Eklöf, though less widely known than some of his contemporaries, produced several notable lighting designs in collaboration with Swedish manufacturers. Corona Belysningskultur was an important firm during the mid-century period, recognized for its creative use of form and material, often incorporating both geometric metalwork and atmospheric lighting effects. This lamp is a strong example of that design approach—combining structure and ornament with modernist clarity—and stands as a rare and collectible piece of Scandinavian lighting design.
Dimensions (cm) | H: 55 / ⌀: 30 |
Decade | 1940s |
Country | Sweden |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Glass, Lacquer, Metal |
Designed in | 1940s |
Item Number | 231136 |
Gunnar Eklöf