A rare and highly expressive Amsterdam School pendant lamp or chandelier by Winkelman & Van der Bijl, dating from the 1920s - a sculptural fixture that brings both artistry and a touch of the unexpected into any interior. The piece is documented and is also in the famous Dutch Art Deco reference book (see the last two pictures).
This striking luminaire is crafted in warm patinated copper, richly worked with intricate open-pierced patterns. The upper ring undulates in dramatic waves, each crest crowned with a circular outward-facing bulb framed by delicate copper latticework that look like eyebrows above luminous eyes. The result is a form that feels both ornamental and intriguingly otherworldly - the 'bizarre' Dutch Amsterdam School touch.
Below, a custom-made reconstructed fabric shade spreads its light softly downward. Its shape, reminiscent of an inverted parasol or a lantern suspended in motion, is defined by darker ribs that echo the sharp, rhythmic detailing above. Together, these elements create a compelling interplay of shadows and highlights, especially when lit - transforming the lamp into a floating piece of illuminated sculpture.
The fixture contains six bulbs in total: four outward-facing (in this case) mirrored bulbs that animate the metalwork and highlight its geometry and two interior bulbs that softly illuminate the shade from within
This dual lighting arrangement gives the piece depth, warmth, and an unmistakable stage-set presence - perfect for the eclectic, the maximalist, or anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind focal point.
The lamp has been meticulously and expertly restored, preserving its character while ensuring full functionality and safety. All wiring and the shade have been carefully renewed.
A superb example of the Amsterdam School at its most imaginative - expressive, architectural, and boldly decorative.
Note: In the photographs, the lamp is shown mounted on a temporary wooden plank for stability during shooting. In normal installation, it is meant to be mounted directly to the ceiling.
About Winkelman & Van der Bijl
Founded around 1910, Winkelman & Van der Bijl quickly earned a reputation as masters of ornamental metalwork. By 1915, they were producing the exterior lamps and decorative details for Amsterdam’s landmark Scheepvaarthuis, a cornerstone of Amsterdam School architecture. Their workshop became a frequent collaborator with sculptor Hildo Krop and architects such as Piet Kramer and Adriaan Moen, contributing lighting, railings, and decorative ironwork to bridges, public buildings, and even the famed Gerzon fashion house on Spuistraat.
Through these commissions, Winkelman & Van der Bijl helped define the material language of the Amsterdam School—an aesthetic that fused craft, fantasy, and monumental form into an enduring vision of modern Dutch design.
Creator
Winkelman & van der Bijl
Manufacturer
Winkelman & van der Bijl
Design Period
1920s
Production Period
1920s
Country of Manufacture
Netherlands
Identifying Marks
Documented and in the Dutch Art Deco valuation book from late 1990s
Style
Dutch Art Deco, Amsterdam School, Arts & Crafts
Detailed Condition
Very good condition with an even patina
Restoration and Damage Details
Recent wiring in good condition, 6 lights, reconstructed lampshade
