Hans Bergström table lamp

This rare table lamp, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by ASEA in Sweden during the 1950s, exemplifies the refined materiality and restrained elegance associated with Scandinavian modernism. Carefully balanced in both form and proportion, the lamp demonstrates Bergström’s ability to combine utility with aesthetic sophistication.

The lamp features a domed brass shade with a perforated edge, designed to softly diffuse the light while introducing a subtle decorative rhythm. The perforations not only provide visual interest but also functionally reduce glare, reinforcing the mid-century emphasis on ambient and indirect lighting. The brass has developed a natural patina over time, lending the piece a warm, aged character that enhances its authenticity.

The central column is crafted from solid ash wood, turned into a tapered conical form that rises gently from the base to support the shade. The ash displays a light brown hue with fine grain patterning, offering a tactile and visual contrast to the metallic surface of the shade. This interplay of natural and industrial materials—wood and brass—is characteristic of Bergström’s work and reflects broader trends in 1950s Nordic design.

The underside of the lamp is stamped with the ASEA mark and the model number “E 1228”, indicating its provenance and production authenticity. ASEA, originally an electrical manufacturer, became well known in mid-century Sweden for producing high-quality lighting fixtures in collaboration with prominent designers such as Hans Bergström, who was also a co-founder of Ateljé Lyktan.

Hans Bergström (1910–1996) played a formative role in Swedish lighting design, particularly through his dual background in architecture and industrial design. His works from the 1940s and 1950s integrate sculptural qualities with a clear understanding of light dispersion, often incorporating natural materials and inventive shade geometries.

The lamp remains in excellent vintage condition, with minor discolorations and surface patina on the brass components consistent with age. The ash wood column is structurally intact, smooth, and free from visible defects. It measures 33 cm in diameter and 43 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 13 inches by 16.9 inches. The lamp stands as a well-preserved example of mid-century Swedish lighting and an important piece in Bergström’s design legacy.