Mauri Almari ceiling lamp

A rare model K1-40 ceiling lamp designed by Finnish lighting designer Mauri Almari and produced by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. The fixture is constructed in brass and opaline glass and measures approximately 85 cm (33.5 in) in diameter and 74 cm (29.1 in) in overall height.

The composition is organized around a central brass stem with two vertically separated tiers of light sources. The lower tier consists of six outward-curving tubular brass arms arranged radially around the central axis. Each terminates in a rounded, cup-shaped brass holder supporting an elongated opaline glass shade. A second, elevated group of three glass shades is positioned closer to the suspension stem, creating a compact upper crown above the broader lower ring. The resulting nine-light configuration produces a strongly architectural silhouette when viewed from the side and a clear radial geometry when viewed from below.

The glass shades have elongated, tapered forms that broaden toward their open upper edges. Their smooth opaline surfaces appear white when unlit, with the upper shades showing a slightly warmer cream tone under neutral illumination. When illuminated, the glass diffuses the light into an even amber-white glow while substantially concealing the individual light sources. The combination of translucent glass and reflective brass also produces secondary reflections within the metal cups and subtle patterns of reflected light on the ceiling.

The brass construction is an important part of the technical and visual character of the K1-40. Curved tubular arms connect the individual lamp holders to the central structure, while a tightly wound cylindrical brass coil surrounds the lower section of the central assembly. This ribbed element visually gathers the individual arms into a single structural core. Hemispherical brass shade holders, the straight suspension rod and the cup-shaped ceiling canopy repeat related curved and cylindrical geometries throughout the fixture.

Mauri Almari was a Finnish lighting designer whose work is closely associated with Idman and the development of Finnish architectural lighting during the mid-20th century. His designs frequently combined technically rational construction with more decorative arrangements of glass and metal. Rather than treating the shade as a separate ornamental element, fixtures such as the K1-40 integrate the electrical and supporting structure into the overall composition. The repeated radial elements and carefully controlled proportions are characteristic of the transition between functionalist Scandinavian lighting and the more expressive forms that became increasingly visible during the 1950s.

Idman was one of Finland’s significant lighting manufacturers during the 20th century and produced lighting for both domestic interiors and architectural applications. The company’s catalogues included work by a number of Finnish designers, and its production contributed substantially to the development of modern Finnish lighting. Idman fixtures from the post-war period often combined industrially manufactured metal components with opaline or moulded glass, materials particularly suited to producing controlled, diffuse illumination.

Stylistically, the K1-40 combines Finnish mid-century modernism with elements associated with late functionalism and the more decorative direction of 1950s Scandinavian design. The radial construction remains geometrically disciplined, while the upward-flaring glass shades, polished brass surfaces and tiered arrangement introduce a sculptural quality. The chandelier consequently occupies an intermediate position between an architectural lighting fixture and the more elaborate multi-arm chandeliers of the period.

The lamp is in good vintage condition. The brass retains a warm golden tone and displays visible oxidation, patination, minor surface marks and variations in finish consistent with age and use. These are particularly apparent on the brass cups, arms and central stem. The opaline glass shades appear well preserved in the supplied photographs, with their glossy surfaces and overall uniform coloration intact. The visible age-related changes to the metal have been retained rather than giving the fixture the appearance of newly polished brass.

Dimensions: diameter approximately 85 cm (33.5 in); overall height approximately 74 cm (29.1 in).