Harald Notini table lamp

This rare table lamp, designed by Harald Notini and produced in the 1940s by Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in Sweden, is a distinguished example of early Scandinavian modern lighting design. It embodies the refined simplicity and material contrast that characterized the transitional period between pre-war functionalism and post-war modernism in Nordic design.

The lamp features a domed brass shade with a delicately perforated rim, designed not only to soften and diffuse light but also to provide an ornamental element through patterned illumination. The brass has developed a natural patina over time, enriching the surface with tonal depth and underscoring the lamp’s historical character. The functional design of the shade ensures glare reduction while providing a warm, ambient glow.

Supporting the shade is a central column crafted from ash wood, shaped into a subtle taper that introduces a sense of vertical movement and balance. The ash, with its light tone and visible grain, contrasts elegantly with the aged brass, reinforcing the natural-mechanical material juxtaposition that was central to Scandinavian aesthetics during the 1940s.

The base is circular and made of solid brass, offering both stability and a consistent visual foundation. Its smooth, rounded form echoes the dome of the shade, establishing a formal symmetry and cohesion within the overall silhouette. Measuring 31 cm in diameter and 35 cm in height (approximately 12.2 inches by 13.8 inches), the lamp has a compact footprint while maintaining a distinctive and sculptural presence.

Harald Notini (1900–1969) was a Swedish lighting designer and interior architect known for his sophisticated and technically precise lighting objects. His work for Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, one of Sweden’s leading lighting manufacturers, contributed significantly to the development of modern Swedish lighting design during the mid-20th century. Notini’s designs often integrated metal and wood with functional forms, bridging classical detailing with modernist reduction.

Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, founded in the late 19th century, was a pioneering firm in Swedish electric lighting and worked with several leading designers of the period. During the 1940s, the company emphasized quality materials and innovative forms that aligned with emerging modernist sensibilities.

This lamp remains in very good vintage condition, with minor signs of wear appropriate to its age. The patinated brass and well-preserved ash wood contribute to its visual integrity and make it a notable historical piece within the Scandinavian design tradition.