1960s–1970s – Danish Mid-Century Modern – Søholm Stoneware Table Lamp by Einar Johansen

Origin:

An authentic Søholm Stentøj stoneware table lamp, designed by celebrated Danish ceramic artist Einar Johansen and produced on the island of Bornholm, Denmark, during the 1960s–1970s.

Johansen originally trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen before bringing his artistic sensibility to ceramics at Søholm. His background in painting is particularly evident in his celebrated “Blue Series”, where richly layered glazes and sculptural surface decoration transformed functional stoneware into expressive works of art.

This lamp is a striking example of that approach. Its substantial rectangular ceramic body is decorated with a distinctive double-spiral geometric motif, surrounded by a remarkably deep glaze shifting between saturated cobalt and navy blues and earthy dark brown tones. The thick, glossy glaze settles differently across the relief, emphasizing the sculptural pattern and giving the surface exceptional depth and variation.

The gently tapered, rounded neck provides a softer counterpoint to the architectural body, while the light fabric empire shade completes the composition with a warm, diffused glow.

Condition:

Ceramic base in good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use
Stoneware and glaze retain their rich colour, depth, and character
Natural variations within the glaze are inherent to the ceramic production and contribute to the individuality of the piece
Lampshade is a later replacement and is not original to the lamp
Electrical components should be checked according to local electrical standards before use

Details:

Designer: Einar Johansen
Manufacturer: Søholm Stentøj
Collection: Associated with Johansen’s celebrated “Blue Series”
Material: Glazed stoneware / ceramic; fabric shade
Style: Danish Mid-Century Modern / Scandinavian Studio Ceramics
Era: circa 1960s–1970s
Origin: Bornholm, Denmark
Base Dimensions: approx. W 11 × D 8 × H 48.5 cm
Overall Dimensions: approx. H 56 × Ø 25 cm

Perfect for:

Collectors of Einar Johansen, Søholm Stentøj, and important Danish studio ceramics
A side table, console, or bedside setting within a mid-century or Scandinavian interior
Adding rich cobalt colour and handcrafted texture to a contemporary space
A sculptural lighting accent for a library, study, reading corner, or curated living room

Design Notes:

Einar Johansen’s work occupies a beautiful space between functional design and ceramic art, and this lamp captures that duality particularly well. Its strong rectangular form gives the piece an architectural presence, while the hand-worked double spirals and fluid blue-brown glaze introduce movement and an almost painterly quality.

The deep cobalt glaze — characteristic of Johansen’s highly collectible blue works for Søholm — changes subtly across the textured surface, revealing brown undertones and darker edges as the light moves around it. Paired with the softness of the fabric shade, the substantial stoneware body feels simultaneously grounded and warm.

A characterful example of Bornholm ceramic design from the golden age of Danish modernism, and an increasingly collectible work by one of Søholm’s most distinctive designers.