Four Textured Glass and Brass Sconces by Kalmar, 1950s
View Similar Items
Four Textured Glass and Brass Sconces by Kalmar, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:J.T. Kalmar (Designer),Kalmar Lighting (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 7.88 in (20 cm)Width: 5.52 in (14 cm)Depth: 3.35 in (8.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Hausmannstätten, AT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU108241888192
J.T. Kalmar
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.
Kalmar Lighting
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 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, Julius 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 Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor 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 Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
- One of Three Textured Glass and Brass Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, 1950sBy J.T. KalmarLocated in Hausmannstätten, ATOne of three textured glass and brass wall lamps by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). Very good condition with little patin...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- One of Six Kalmar Brass and Glass Sconces, 1950sBy J.T. KalmarLocated in Hausmannstätten, ATOne of six brass and textured glass wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1950. The lights are in very good condition. They are rewired and repolish...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of J.T. Kalmar Sconces 'Vongola', Brass and Textured Glass, Austria, 1960By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Hausmannstätten, ATA pair of beautiful wall lights model 'Vongola' no. 4377, by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). They are made of brass and pre...Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Large Kalmar Chandelier, Brass and Textured Glass, 1950sBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Hausmannstätten, ATAn impressive handmade and large chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of polished brass in a w...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass, Metal
- Large Textured Glass Sconce, Austria, 1950sBy J.T. Kalmar, Rupert NikollLocated in Hausmannstätten, ATA single Austrian textured glass light fixture manufactured in Mid-Century, (1950s-1960s). The maker is Kalmar or Rupert Nikoll. The lamp can be us...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
- Four Modulare Kalmar Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, Brass Cast Glass, 1970By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Hausmannstätten, ATOne of four modulare and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of polished brass and frosted cubic glasses. Each fixture has five sockets for small base Edison LEDs or bulbs up to 40W per bulb which are covered with textured ice glass cubes. It is possible to install this fixture in all countries (US, UK, Europe, Asia, Canada,) although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs (e.g. LED or filament) suitable to local electricity. It also can be used with a dimmer. The fixtures are professionally cleaned and ready to use. The lamps can be used as wall or ceiling lights. They also can be grouped and arranged individually to larger light sculptures (please see images). Additionally there are three larger lights...Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
MaterialsBrass
- Kalmar Sconce in Textured Glass, circa 1950sBy J.T. KalmarLocated in Wien, ATKalmar sconce in textured glass, circa 1950s. Original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
- One Kalmar Midcentury Brass & Textured Glass Scone Wall Light, Austria, 1950sBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Vienna, ATA single beautiful brass wall light with a lampshade made of solid textured melting ice glass with nice knobs. Manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. In very good conditio...Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Two Kalmar Frosted Sconces Glass and Brass, 1950sBy J.T. KalmarLocated in Wien, ATTwo Kalmar frosted sconces glass and brass. Original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
- J.T. Kalmar Pair Sconces Wall Lamps, Brass & Textured Glass, Austria, 1950sBy J.T. KalmarLocated in Vienna, ATA beautiful pair of brass and glass modernist wall lights, executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. Charming sconces, made of solid textured melting glass with white metal bases ...Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- 1950s Gilt Brass and Frosted Sconces by KalmarBy Kalmar LightingLocated in Amsterdam, NHKalmars Classic signature (water) ripple glass panels around the side. The water ripple glass is divided by similar ripple gilt brass panels. Stunning piece of art. Please not we ha...Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
$3,067 / set - Kalmar Midcentury Wall Light, Brass and Textured Glass, Austria, 1950sBy J.T. KalmarLocated in Vienna, ATA beautiful brass and glass modernist sconce, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1950s. A very charming piece, made of solid textured glass on a metal base with nice brass knobs....Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal, Brass