Wall lamp (2) - Metal, Brass - Large wall sconces

08
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€ 1
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Michel Karis
Expert
Selected by Michel Karis

Art historian with extensive experience working at various auction houses in antiques.

Estimate  € 350 - € 400
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Rare pair of large Brutalist geometric brass wall sconces in metal, originating from the Netherlands and dating circa 1990, each in good condition with minor signs of ageing, dimensions 28 cm deep × 28 cm wide × 12 cm high, weight 6 kg total for the pair, designed to be hardwired to the wall.

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Description from the seller

Rare Pair of Large Brutalist Geometric Brass Wall Sconces, circa 1990

A striking and highly unusual pair of large sculptural wall sconces, executed in brass-toned metal and dating most probably from around 1990.
Each lamp is constructed as an abstract geometric composition of individually formed rounded rectangular elements, arranged in a broad, elongated diamond-like silhouette. The surface of each element is subtly worked with small linear indentations, giving the metal a tactile, almost hand-hammered appearance and preventing the otherwise rigorous geometry from feeling too severe.

What makes these sconces particularly interesting is the way the composition changes with the light. In daylight or when illuminated from the front, the warm brass surface comes alive and the individual elements cast a strong architectural shadow onto the wall, effectively creating a second version of the lamp behind it.
At night, the effect reverses. With the light source positioned behind the sculptural front, the brass composition itself becomes almost dark and silhouetted, while light escapes around and between the individual pieces. The small openings in the construction create a shifting pattern of light and shadow across the wall, giving the sconces a very different character after dark.

The lamps have a distinctly Brutalist and geometric character, but there is also something almost pixelated about the arrangement of the individual metal forms. Despite their substantial dimensions, the open construction keeps them visually light.

Both sconces are hardwired and designed to be fitted directly to the wall. Each has its own concealed light source behind the decorative metal composition.

The maker is unknown. We estimate the pair to date from around 1990. It is an exceptionally uncommon design, and we have not encountered another pair of this model.

Condition: Very good vintage condition, with minor signs of age and use consistent with their period.
Dimensions per lamp: H 62 × W 34 × D 12 cm | H 24.4 × W 13.4 × D 4.7 in


Seller's Story

Studio Eklektik (est. 2023) is a Dutch online gallery specialising in Dutch Art Deco, modernist antiques, and eclectic design, lighting and objects. We are drawn to pieces that do more than furnish a space: objects with history in their grain, atmosphere in their silhouette and a certain drama in the way they catch the light. The emphasis is on Dutch Art Deco, especially Amsterdam School and Hague School design, but our eye is deliberately eclectic. We curate across categories and era's, but never without direction: every object has to bring something to the room, whether through form, craftsmanship, history or atmosphere. We ship worldwide. For purchases in auction, buyers may also choose pick-up, after which we can provide our best shipping quote at cost price. For multiple purchases or larger objects, we can offer professionally crated shipment on request.
Translated by Google Translate

Rare Pair of Large Brutalist Geometric Brass Wall Sconces, circa 1990

A striking and highly unusual pair of large sculptural wall sconces, executed in brass-toned metal and dating most probably from around 1990.
Each lamp is constructed as an abstract geometric composition of individually formed rounded rectangular elements, arranged in a broad, elongated diamond-like silhouette. The surface of each element is subtly worked with small linear indentations, giving the metal a tactile, almost hand-hammered appearance and preventing the otherwise rigorous geometry from feeling too severe.

What makes these sconces particularly interesting is the way the composition changes with the light. In daylight or when illuminated from the front, the warm brass surface comes alive and the individual elements cast a strong architectural shadow onto the wall, effectively creating a second version of the lamp behind it.
At night, the effect reverses. With the light source positioned behind the sculptural front, the brass composition itself becomes almost dark and silhouetted, while light escapes around and between the individual pieces. The small openings in the construction create a shifting pattern of light and shadow across the wall, giving the sconces a very different character after dark.

The lamps have a distinctly Brutalist and geometric character, but there is also something almost pixelated about the arrangement of the individual metal forms. Despite their substantial dimensions, the open construction keeps them visually light.

Both sconces are hardwired and designed to be fitted directly to the wall. Each has its own concealed light source behind the decorative metal composition.

The maker is unknown. We estimate the pair to date from around 1990. It is an exceptionally uncommon design, and we have not encountered another pair of this model.

Condition: Very good vintage condition, with minor signs of age and use consistent with their period.
Dimensions per lamp: H 62 × W 34 × D 12 cm | H 24.4 × W 13.4 × D 4.7 in


Seller's Story

Studio Eklektik (est. 2023) is a Dutch online gallery specialising in Dutch Art Deco, modernist antiques, and eclectic design, lighting and objects. We are drawn to pieces that do more than furnish a space: objects with history in their grain, atmosphere in their silhouette and a certain drama in the way they catch the light. The emphasis is on Dutch Art Deco, especially Amsterdam School and Hague School design, but our eye is deliberately eclectic. We curate across categories and era's, but never without direction: every object has to bring something to the room, whether through form, craftsmanship, history or atmosphere. We ship worldwide. For purchases in auction, buyers may also choose pick-up, after which we can provide our best shipping quote at cost price. For multiple purchases or larger objects, we can offer professionally crated shipment on request.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Large wall sconces
Number of objects
2
Material
Brass, Metal
Country of origin
Netherlands
Style
Design
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
12 cm
Width
28 cm
Depth
28 cm
Weight
6 kg
Estimated period
1980-1990
Sold by
The NetherlandsVerified
769
Objects sold
100%
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