In 1881, Julius August Kalmar founded Kalmar, a Viennese company that produced handcrafted objects of cast bronze. Kalmar developed a fine reputation and exhibited internationally often, but it was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor (J.T.) Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and made the company shine with its modernist lighting.
Having studied at the Birmingham School of Art and Design and under the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, J.T. was deeply inspired by the shift to modernity taking place in Europe and sought to work with the leading architects and designers of his time, including Austrian Werkbund architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach as well as Ernst Plischke, Clemens Holzmeister and Oswald Haerdtl. Similar to the Wiener Werkstätte cooperative cofounded by Hoffmann that prized materials, form and function, Kalmar viewed his company’s lighting fixtures as “quite humble things” meant to “fit in and serve their purpose of functionally illuminating spaces without glare.”
In 1925, Kalmar began selling in Haus und Garten, the forward-looking decor shop founded by Frank and Wlach. By 1931, a close partnership with the Austrian Werkbund association of architects, artists and craftsmen allowed the company to realize its vision of early 20th-century modernity — a distinctly Viennese pairing of traditional workmanship with contemporary technology. These collaborations included chandeliers and other fixtures using traditional materials such as glass, bronze and brass while focusing on function over ornamentation. As the company grew, so too did the scope of its projects, and soon Kalmar was installing extravagant chandeliers for the Vienna State Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, J.T. Kalmar’s son-in-law, the 1960s saw Kalmar’s popularity grow, thanks in part to the success of more decorative pieces like the ice-glass fixtures created with Austrian sculptor Karl Gruber. Thomas Calice, the great-grandson of Kalmar’s founder, led the company in the 1990s and its expansion to international lighting projects while shifting away from serial production. In 2009, Thomas’s son August Chalice established Kalmar Werkstätten to produce fixtures that reference the Kalmar archives but also feature updates on the iconic designs. Kalmar continues to produce bespoke fixtures while also working on custom lighting projects around the world, from cruise ships to the Burj Khalifa.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage J.T. Kalmar lighting that includes chandeliers, wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
Sculptural Swedish Modern Teak "Gondola" Tray by Tapio Wirkkala for Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gondola-form teakwood tray manufactured in the 1960s by Tapio Wirkkala for Kalmar of Sweden. Elegant, graceful form with rich color and vibrant teakwood grain. Conservatively ref...
Teak
Set of eight crystals ice glass Kalmar Franken 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Eight large crystals from the prestigious Austrian house JT Kalmar Franken who, in 1960, created the well-known ice crystals, a benchmark in design lighting thanks to the thick glass...
Glass
Don Shoemaker Small Geometric Marquetry Decorative Tray for Señal
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating geometric marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwood...
Hardwood, Rosewood
$560
H 0.5 in W 8 in D 10.38 in
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...
Silver Plate
$614Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 1.97 in Dm 1.97 in
Set of 14 Vintage Christmas Glass Ornaments, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
Set of unique and original Christmas ornaments. All vintage pieces from Czechoslovakia, prosuced in 1960s. The original box of ornaments was discovered just recently and has not been used for many years. The ornaments are amazing. Made of light glass. There are 9 balls and 5 glass bell ornaments...
Glass
$320 / set
H 4.72 in Dm 3.14 in
1960s Luxury Handcrafted Set of Six Colored Glasses by Napoleon in Crystal. Made
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Luxury handcrafted set of six colored glasses by Napoleon in crystal. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. Dimension diameter 3,14 x 4,72 inches diameter cm 8 x...
Crystal
Set of 9 Murano Art Glass Candy Pieces, Glow in UV, 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful vintage set of 9 multicolored Murano art glass candy pieces feature bright fused glass bodies in different shapes and textured twisted "candy wrapper" parts, emulating the r...
Glass, Uranium Glass
$675
H 1.25 in W 30 in D 14.75 in
Large Dansk Design Teak Vintage Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Large mid-century Scandinavian Modern cutting board serving tray in teak wood designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, Denmark THQ. This versatile piece is the perfect tool f...
Teak
$599
H 1 in W 26 in D 19.5 in
Extra Large Danish Modern Teak Handled Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful serving teak tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, ca' 1960's. This is an extra large-hard to find version at 26"long and 19.5"wide. Great Danish crafstmanship and honest and ...
Teak
$680Sale Price|20% Off
H 11 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Set of Seven Art Glass Decanters by Holmegaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Holmgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Set of Seven Art Glass Decanters by Holmegaard, Denmark, 1960s. Dimensions of the individual decanters are listed from largest to smallest. 1. 5 1/4'' wide by 5 1/4'' deep by ...
Glass
$1,200 / set
H 2.76 in Dm 3.94 in
Baccarat, France. Set of eight Art Deco champagne coupes in crystal glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Baccarat, France. A set of eight Art Deco champagne coupes in faceted crystal glass. From the 1930s/1940s. Stamped. In perfect condition. Dime...
Crystal
Hand Made Moroccan Glass Bowl - Set Of Eight
Located in Hook, Hampshire
Contemporary Hand Made Moroccan Glass Bowl - Set Of Eight. Hand-made in Morocco. This set contains three amber, two green, one pink, one clear and one light blue bowls. The glass is ...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Copper and Silver Coffee Set
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A solid copper coffee set including coffee pot, creamer, sugar pot, and very hard to find solid copper serving tray. Lined in silver, these sets wer...
Copper
Set of 6 Multi Color Ice Crystal Glasses by Sèvres, France
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Cristal de Sèvres Crystal Glass Set of 6 This elegant set of six crystal glasses from Cristal de Sèvres, is a stunning example of French craftsmanship and luxury. Each glass is hand...
Crystal
Sold
H 15.74 in W 6.29 in D 5.11 in
Impressive J.T Kalmar Frosted Glass Sconces Made from Thick and Heavy Cast Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Verviers, BE
J.T. Kalmar frosted textured glass sconces There are from government building Belgie. Impressive Kalmar frosted 1950s glass sconces made from thick and heavy cast glass. The light ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Sold
H 15.74 in W 6.29 in D 5.11 in
Impressive J.T Kalmar Frosted Glass Sconces Made from Thick and Heavy Cast Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Verviers, BE
J.T. Kalmar frosted textured glass sconces There are 38 pieces available from government building Belgie. Impressive Kalmar frosted 1950s glass sconces made from thick and heavy cast glass. The lights are in excellent condition, holding two bulbs each. And in full working order. They look simply stunning mounted on the wall and give a wonderful warm glow as well as casting a beautifully pleasant light across a wall or ceiling. I can the lamps equipped with a screw terminal (white) as on picture. You can connect the cables as shown on picture. Prepare lamps is free as a service to you. Fitting lamp E14 Earth = green. Neuter = white Phase = black. Austria, 1970s. Good original condition. Marked by maker. model 4679/2/1/01/4 looks simply stunning. A new direction After the turn of the century, Julius Theodor Kalmar, son of the original founder, studied under the renowned Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts and the Birmingham School of Art and Design. Inspired by Josef Hoffmann and the arts and crafts movement of the era, Julius pushed the company in a new direction, away from the eclectic style of the late 19th century, and in 1925, Kalmar designs began selling in Haus und Garten, an avant-garde shop...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Sold
H 15.74 in W 6.29 in D 5.11 in
Impressive J.T Kalmar Frosted Glass Sconces Made from Thick and Heavy Cast Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Verviers, BE
J.T. Kalmar frosted textured glass sconces There are 38 pieces available from government building Belgie. Impressive Kalmar frosted 1950s glass sconces made from thick and heavy cast glass. The lights are in excellent condition, holding two bulbs each. And in full working order. They look simply stunning mounted on the wall and give a wonderful warm glow as well as casting a beautifully pleasant light across a wall or ceiling. I can the lamps equipped with a screw terminal (white) as on picture. You can connect the cables as shown on picture. Prepare lamps is free as a service to you. Fitting lamp E14 Earth = green. Neuter = white Phase = black. Austria, 1970s. Good original condition. Marked by maker. model 4679/2/1/01/4 looks simply stunning. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you and kind regards, Geert A new direction After the turn of the century, Julius Theodor Kalmar, son of the original founder, studied under the renowned Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts and the Birmingham School of Art and Design. Inspired by Josef Hoffmann and the arts and crafts movement of the era, Julius pushed the company in a new direction, away from the eclectic style of the late 19th century, and in 1925, Kalmar designs began selling in Haus und Garten, an avant-garde shop...
Art Glass, Murano Glass