Cobra table lamp – Black - Gubi

The Cobra table lamp, designed in 1950 by Swedish designer Greta M. Grossman and reissued by Danish publisher Gubi, is an iconic piece of mid-century modernist design. Inspired by the sinuous shape of a moving cobra, this lamp combines sculptural aesthetics with clever functionality, embodying Grossman's innovative style at a time when female designers were rare.

Design and features

The Cobra table lamp is distinguished by its oval shade in lacquered steel, mounted on a flexible chrome arm that allows 90° tilt and full 360° rotation. Available in classic finish such as matte black, it rests on a round lacquered aluminum base, weighted with cast iron for optimum stability. With a height of 34,5 cm, a 16,5 cm wide shade and a lenght of 29 cm, it offers soft, adjustable light, ideal for a bedside table, desk or reading corner. Its fluid, organic design makes it both practical and decorative, capable of blending into a variety of interiors.

Background and heritage

Greta M. Grossman (1906-1999), who trained in Stockholm before moving to Los Angeles in 1940, left her mark on 20th-century design by fusing Swedish modernism with Californian influences. The Cobra lamp, awarded the Good Design Award in 1950 and exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, illustrates her talent for combining expressive forms with everyday utility. Created at the peak of his career in the 1950s, this lamp reflects his bold approach and pioneering role, influenced by figures such as Walter Gropius while developing his own identity that shaped the mid-century aesthetic.

Reissued by Gubi

Gubi, a Danish publisher renowned for reviving design classics, has reissued the Cobra table lamp with handcrafted fidelity to Grossman's original. Made from high-quality materials, this high-end piece continues Gubi's vision of offering timeless objects that marry heritage and modernity. It will appeal to design enthusiasts looking for a fixture that combines history, elegance and functionality to enhance their space.