Jo Hammerborg ceiling lamp

The ceiling lamp model Kastor was designed by Jo Hammerborg and produced by the Danish lighting manufacturer Fog & Mørup during the 1960s. This piece represents one of Hammerborg’s most distinctive lighting designs, showcasing his strong sense of sculptural form and attention to materiality, both of which were central to his long collaboration with Fog & Mørup.

The lamp is constructed in solid brass and consists of a series of elongated, lens-shaped brass shades arranged in a circular configuration around the central light source. These elements overlap slightly, creating a dynamic play between open and closed surfaces that both diffuse and direct the light. The brass surfaces exhibit a warm golden tone, developing a natural patina with age that contributes to the lamp’s character and historical authenticity. When lit, the carefully engineered arrangement produces both direct and ambient illumination, typical of Hammerborg’s aim to combine functionality with atmospheric quality.

Hammerborg, who worked as design director at Fog & Mørup from 1957 to 1980, was instrumental in modernizing the company’s output and establishing its international reputation. His designs often balanced modernist clarity with sculptural expression, drawing on influences from both Scandinavian functionalism and the evolving international design scene of the postwar years. The Kastor model exemplifies his ability to use simple geometric forms to achieve a striking architectural presence while retaining the warmth and craftsmanship associated with Scandinavian design.

The lamp remains in good vintage condition with small signs of use and patina consistent with age. Its preserved state highlights both the durability of the materials and the quality of Danish mid-century manufacturing.

Diameter 23 cm (9.1 in), height 37 cm (14.6 in), total height including suspension 150 cm (59.1 in)