Ilmari Tapiovaara floor lamp

This early “Maija the Bee” floor lamp, originally named Maija Mehiläinen, was conceived in the 1950s by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara and brought to life by Hienoteräs in Finland. Its sculptural form comprises a series of horizontal metal discs, each painted in a crisp matte white. These discs are stacked closely to form a cylinder roughly 30 cm in diameter, creating a tiered silhouette that nods to the segmented body of a honeybee. When illuminated, the lamp’s layered geometry softly diffuses the light, casting gentle shadows between each ring and heightening the rhythmic quality of the assembly.

The lampshade assembly is elevated on three slender legs fashioned from solid brass. Each leg is subtly splayed to impart stability while preserving an airy presence beneath the shade. With decades of age, the brass has mellowed to a warm, honeyed tone, its surface bearing a fine patina that underscores the lamp’s authenticity. The topmost disc reveals the mechanical fastening details—darkened brass screws and an exposed metal core—testifying to the utilitarian clarity that characterizes mid-century Scandinavian design.

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914–1999) trained in both architecture and interior design, and his work consistently married rational planning with human-centered considerations. In this early iteration of the Maija lamp, his interest in modular repetition is front and center: each disc is identical in diameter yet separated just enough to allow an even glow of light. Tapiovaara’s designs often sought to balance durability, affordability, and aesthetic restraint, making this lamp not only a decorative object but a thoughtful study in form and function.

Hienoteräs, the Finnish metalworks producer responsible for this model, stamped their hallmark inside the top ring, affirming its provenance. Known for high-quality fabrication during the post-war era, Hienoteräs collaborated with forward-thinking designers to explore new forms in lighting. Their work with Tapiovaara on the Maija lamp preceded later adaptations by larger firms, rendering this early example particularly rare.

Measuring approximately 78 cm in height, the floor lamp remains in good vintage condition. The painted discs retain their original finish, save for minor surface scuffs consistent with careful use. No chips or bends are evident, and the electrical wiring has been inspected for safety while preserving the lamp’s historic integrity. This “Maija the Bee” lamp stands as both a functional light source and a sculptural emblem of Finnish mid-century modernism.