Table lamp

This rare table lamp, model number 4043, was produced by Einar Bäckströms Metallvarufabrik in Sweden and reflects a mid-century modernist approach to lighting through its restrained form and balanced material contrast. Though the designer is unknown, the lamp demonstrates a clear Scandinavian aesthetic sensibility, emphasizing clean geometry, functional clarity, and refined construction.

The lamp is composed of a circular base, a slender cylindrical stem, and a broad, flat dome-shaped shade. The base and stem are made of brass, which has developed an even, warm patina over time, enhancing its vintage appeal. The brass shows minor tonal variations and surface oxidation consistent with age, adding depth to the overall finish without compromising structural integrity.

The shade is finished in white lacquered metal, creating a visual contrast to the metallic base elements. It is shaped as a low dome with a wide spread, designed to direct light downward while softly diffusing it across a horizontal surface. The lacquer has aged well, with only minor wear in the form of small scratches or surface marks that do not detract from the lamp’s appearance or performance.

The construction is well-executed, with clean connections between elements and a proportionally balanced profile. The overall form is symmetrical and understated, characteristic of mid-20th-century Swedish lighting design, which often prioritized subtle detailing and the interplay of material surfaces.

Einar Bäckströms Metallvarufabrik, known for its production of metal furnishings and lighting fixtures, contributed to Sweden’s postwar industrial and domestic design culture. Although this model is not widely documented, its build quality and stylistic coherence reflect the standards of Swedish manufacturing during the period.

Dimensions: 40 cm diameter × 46 cm height
In inches: 15.7 in Ø × 18.1 in height