This is a lamp designed by Czech artist Helena Frantova (1928-2022) and was produced in former Czechoslovakia.

Helena Frantova was primarily a jewellery designer, working with metal. The lighting industry in the Czech Republic was traditionally occupied by male designers and Frantova, together with Ruzena Zertova were the only few women that managed to design lighting pieces at the time. She was renown for her deep knowledge of shaping metal and for precise details. We can clearly see this in her jewellery work but also in this lamp.

The lamp was produced in two different sizes and this is the larger version. This piece was designed to be a flexible table lamp but because the shape of its base, it can also be used and hang as a wall lamp. The base is made of a bent steel bar that holds the main body, which is also made in steel. This part holds the bulb, the on/off switch and can be adjusted to both side. The lamp shade is made of parchment paper that is held by a steel cover on the top and it's what gives the lamp its nickname "Chinese lady", as the shape is a reminiscent of a traditional Chinese hat.

Overall the design comes from the minimalist forms of the pre war modernist movement, it is perfectly practical and hasn't lost any design quality even some 70 years since first produced.

Steel parts of the lamp have some small wear acquired over the years. There is also some minor patina on the parchment paper of the lampshade which we kept as it adds an unique charm, character and originality to the whole piece. We think that the white plastic cord and the European plug were installed in the 1970’s. The other parts (including the switch, the bulb fitting) are original and the lamp is fully functional.

Quantity: 1

Period: 1950's

Designer: Helena Frantova

Dimensions: w 35 cm, d 35 cm, h 37 cm

Materials: Steel, Parchment paper, Plastic

Please note delivery cost is not included in the price. Each item's delivery is calculated individually. The cost of delivery of this lamp to UK will be £35 and 20 Euro to the EU. Please email us on info@bybarnabas.com if you would like a quotation for delivery outside EU or the US.