Josef Frank table lamps

This pair of table lamps, model 2349, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. The lamps feature a structure in solid brass combined with hand-stitched silk fabric shades, typical of Frank’s approach to material quality and craftsmanship. The combination of brass and silk creates a refined and softly glowing expression that is characteristic of his lighting designs.

Each lamp has a rounded, lantern-like shade formed by gently curved vertical seams that define the silhouette. The cream-colored silk is stretched over an internal frame and detailed with delicate piping along each segment, producing a sculptural form that diffuses light evenly. The brass elements, including the upper and lower rings and the slender tripod base, show a natural patina consistent with age and use. The design demonstrates Josef Frank’s sensitivity to organic form and his belief that lighting should create a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Josef Frank (1885–1967) was an Austrian-born architect and designer who became one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Scandinavian design after emigrating to Sweden in the 1930s. His work for Svenskt Tenn combined Viennese elegance with Swedish functionalism, emphasizing color, texture, and human comfort. Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, became a central platform for Frank’s creative expression and remains one of Sweden’s most enduring design institutions.

The lamps are in good vintage condition with signs of age and patina on the brass surfaces. The silk shades show minor, natural wear consistent with age but retain their original structure and tone. When lit, the lamps emit a warm, diffused glow that enhances their sculptural presence.

Dimensions: height 61.5 cm (24.2 inches), diameter 30 cm (11.8 inches).