Holger Johansson ceiling lamp

This very rare and large ceiling lamp was designed by Swedish lighting designer Holger Johansson and produced by Westal in Sweden in 1952. Crafted from polished brass and smoked clear glass, the chandelier embodies Scandinavian mid-century modern lighting at an architectural scale, combining geometric structure with luminous transparency and modular adaptability.

The fixture consists of four horizontal tiers radiating symmetrically from a central vertical rod, creating a stacked arrangement. These arms support a total of 24 hand-blown glass globes, each with a rounded yet subtly squared form. The globes are mounted on short brass stems and function as diffusers for filament-style bulbs, producing a soft, evenly distributed light when illuminated. The glass exhibits a smoky greenish-gray tint, providing a tonal contrast to the warm golden brass frame and maintaining sculptural clarity whether lit or unlit.

Johansson’s design language is expressed through the lamp’s balanced proportions and rhythmic repetition. The chandelier reflects mid-century interests in modularity, verticality, and light as a spatial element. Created during a period when Scandinavian lighting design was gaining international recognition, it exemplifies the era’s dedication to craftsmanship and modernist aesthetics.

Westal, a prominent Swedish lighting manufacturer since the early 20th century, collaborated with Johansson to produce iconic fixtures for both residential and institutional interiors. This chandelier demonstrates Westal’s technical precision and material quality alongside Johansson’s vision for sculptural and functional illumination.

The chandelier measures 80 cm in diameter (approximately 31.5 inches) and, as installed, reaches a height of 250 cm (approximately 98.4 inches). Its modular brass suspension system allows for extension up to 600 cm (approximately 236.2 inches), making it suitable for large interior spaces such as stairwells, public lobbies, or gallery settings. The piece is in excellent condition, with a richly patinated brass finish and glass globes showing minimal wear. All structural and electrical elements are intact and fully operational, preserving the chandelier’s full sculptural presence and practical functionality.