An iconic Czechoslovak modernist table and wall lamp designed by Helena Frantová in 1953, combining a remarkably economical metal structure with a distinctive hand-stitched parchment shade.

Known in Czechoslovakia as “Číňanka” (The Chinese), the lamp takes its nickname from the broad conical shade, whose silhouette recalls a traditional East Asian hat. Light, sculptural and ingeniously versatile, the design can be used either as a table lamp or hung directly on a wall.

About the Piece

Helena Frantová designed this lamp in 1953 while still a student at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (VŠUP), where she studied in the sculpture studio of Bedřich Stefan and under Jan Nušl, an important figure in Czech metalwork.

The lamp is a wonderful example of how much Frantová could achieve with very little material.

A continuous bent steel rod forms the triangular base, supporting a tapered metal body containing the bulb holder and switch. The body can be adjusted to direct the light, while the geometry of the frame allows the lamp to function in two different ways: standing on a table or bedside cabinet, or suspended from the wall.

Above it sits the element that gives the design its unmistakable identity: a broad circular parchment shade, stitched by hand around its metal rim and finished with a conical metal cap.

The design itself is remarkably disciplined. There is almost nothing unnecessary: a line becomes a base, the base becomes a wall hanger, the central metal cone contains the electrical components, and the wide shade controls and softens the light.

The result feels less like a conventional domestic lamp and more like a small functional sculpture.

Details

Designer: Helena Frantová (1928–2022)
Design: 1953
Production: Czechoslovakia
Model / nickname: “Číňanka” (The Chinese)
Style: Czechoslovak Modernism / Mid-Century Modern
Materials: Metal, parchment paper
Type: Table / wall lamp
Function: Adjustable light; can be used freestanding or wall-mounted
Dimensions: W 23 cm × D 18 cm × H 26 cm

Condition & Restoration

The lamp remains in very good vintage condition and retains a particularly attractive degree of originality.

The metal components have developed a gentle patina and light signs of age and previous use. We have deliberately preserved these rather than over-restoring the surface, as they form part of the character and history of the piece.

Most importantly, the original parchment shade has survived in exceptionally good condition. Given the fragile nature of the material, original shades on these lamps are increasingly difficult to find intact.

The lamp retains a high degree of originality, including the original parchment shade, bulb fitting, wiring and European plug. At some point, probably during the 1970s or 1980s, an additional on/off switch was fitted to the power cord. We have retained this later modification as part of the lamp’s history.

The lamp has been carefully checked, cleaned and is fully functional.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.

Why We Like It

Some designs become memorable because they are complicated. This lamp achieves the opposite.

Frantová reduced the object to a handful of carefully considered elements: a bent metal line, a tapered body, a bulb and a circle of parchment.

Yet from those simple components she created an object with enormous personality.

We particularly like the relationship between its two characters. Viewed from the side, the triangular metal frame and conical body give it the precision of post-war modernism. Viewed from above, the broad parchment shade transforms it into something softer and almost playful.

Its ability to move between table lamp and wall light is equally clever. It isn't a secondary adaptation but something inherent in the geometry of the design.

And knowing Frantová's later importance as a jewellery artist makes the lamp even more interesting. The same sensitivity to line, metal and small structural details that characterises her jewellery is already present here, translated into an everyday domestic object.

More than seventy years after it was designed, the “Číňan” still looks remarkably fresh - a small but exceptionally confident piece of Czechoslovak modernism.

Delivery & Returns

The lamp will be carefully packed and shipped from our studio in Brno, Czech Republic.

EU shipping: €20, confirmed at checkout.
Estimated EU delivery: 3–5 working days.

We also ship worldwide using trusted international couriers. Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote outside the EU.

EU customers have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

If you'd like to check anything before ordering - from condition and dimensions to delivery - Martin and Amy are always happy to help throughout the process, and also after your piece has arrived.