Model "E1140" Table Lamp by Sonja Katzin for ASEA, Sweden ca 1950s

Sonja Katzin’s work for ASEA occupies a special place in the history of Swedish lighting design. During the 1950s, ASEA was not only an industrial powerhouse but also an important commissioner of modern domestic lighting, collaborating with designers who understood how to bring softness and elegance into functional objects. Katzin’s lamps often combined her experience as a sculptor with expert skill, resulting in pieces that feel refined without being excessive. Her designs fit seamlessly into the Scandinavian postwar home, where light was as essential to atmosphere as furniture itself.

Model “E1140” shows this sensitivity in a striking way. The base is shaped almost like a carved column, tapering in as it rises toward the shade. The body displays a mix of vertical and horizontal ribs, as well as geometric elements, that draw the eye in. The golden hue of the metal carries a warm, aged glow, charming and full of character - especially when compared to the polished shine of new pieces. The material further highlights the carved pattern by allowing light to reflect off the textural variation, introducing a sense of depth. When paired with the broad, conical shade, the base takes on an architectural presence. The angle of the shade and the proportion between its diameter and the height of the lamp are what give the piece its poise. Nothing feels excessive. Everything sits intentionally in relation to all other elements. When lit, the textile shade diffuses light into a gentle halo that accentuates the brass without overwhelming it. The lamp offers a kind of ambiance that is characteristic of Scandinavian mid-century pieces, where cosiness and clarity of design coexist effortlessly.

As a whole, the lamp captures what made ASEA’s collaborations so enduring: thoughtful materials and an attention to atmosphere rather than ornament. Sonja Katzin understood this, and Model “E1140” is a clear example of that approach.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:
15.74 in ø x 20.86 in H
40 cm ø x 53 cm H

Shipping:
This table lamp will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.