The GUBI Silk Lantern Wall Lamp blends the serene atmosphere of traditional Japanese lanterns with the refined aesthetic of Danish modernism. Designed by Ejnar Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, the piece was originally unveiled at the 1951 Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen but never went into production at the time. Thanks to its reintroduction by GUBI, this remarkable historical design finally takes its place in contemporary interiors.
At the heart of the design is the elongated silk shade. The delicate material filters the light, creating a soft, warm glow. Supported by a subtle steel structure, the silk shade appears to float almost weightlessly in space.
Details in walnut veneer and antique brass add warmth to the design, creating an elegant contrast with the black steel and light-colored silk shade. This combination of natural and industrial materials reinforces the balance between Japanese inspiration and classic Danish design.
With a shade height of 50 cm, the Silk Lantern Wall Lamp boasts a striking vertical silhouette, while its depth of just 27.5 cm keeps the design compact. This makes the wall lamp a beautiful choice for placement beside a bed, sofa, or lounge chair, as well as an atmospheric lighting solution for hallways, restaurants, or hotel interiors.
A particularly functional feature is the adjustable height, allowing the lamp's position to be tailored to the space and the desired lighting effect. The black fabric cord is equipped with an integrated switch.
About Larsen & Bender Madsen
Danish designers Ejnar Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen presented the Silk Lantern in 1951 at the renowned Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen. Although the design did not go into mass production at the time, it remained a remarkable example of how Danish designers translated international influences into their own modern design language.
GUBI is now bringing the original design back to life, keeping the characteristic interplay of silk, wood, brass, and steel at the heart of the piece.
Original design: 1951
Material: silk, walnut veneer, antique brass, and steel
Color: off-white / black
Width: 13.5 cm Depth: 27.5 cm Lampshade diameter: 13.5 cm Lampshade height: 50 cm
Wall mount: H 10 x W 1.6 cm Cable length: 250 cm
Weight: 0.8 kg Socket: E27 Light source: max. 6W, not included
IP rating: IP20
Height-adjustable: yes
Switch: on the cable. Cable: black textile/
Inspired by traditional Japanese lanterns
Elongated silk lampshade
Casts a soft, atmospheric light
Details in walnut veneer and antique brass
Compact wall lamp with a sculptural aesthetic.
Suitable for creating ambiance in residential and commercial interiors.
Weight: 1000