Lisa Johansson-Pape ceiling lamp

The very rare ceiling lamp model 71-125, designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and produced by Stockmann-Orno in Finland, exemplifies the restrained elegance and technical refinement of Finnish mid-century lighting design. Crafted with a thoughtful balance of form and material, the lamp unites geometric clarity with soft illumination—hallmarks of Johansson-Pape’s design language.

At the heart of the lamp is a domed opaline glass shade, flattened slightly to give it a modern, understated profile. The glass is a creamy, translucent white that diffuses light evenly, casting a warm and ambient glow. This subtle, atmospheric lighting effect was central to Johansson-Pape’s philosophy: creating not just fixtures, but environments shaped by light.

The shade is held by a brass fixture composed of a perforated cylindrical collar and a central cone. These elements are finely detailed, with the perforations lending a functional lightness while introducing visual texture. The brass, now aged to a soft golden patina, contrasts elegantly with the matte opaline surface. The interplay of cool, diffused glass and warm, reflective metal enhances the lamp’s visual harmony.

The geometric precision of the cylindrical and conical brass components is balanced by the gentle curvature of the shade, creating a composed and sculptural silhouette. This tension between hard and soft forms is typical of Johansson-Pape’s best work, revealing a sophisticated understanding of how materials and light interact in space.

Lisa Johansson-Pape (1907–1989) was a central figure in Finnish design, particularly in lighting, where she brought a new sensibility to the domestic and architectural environments of the mid-20th century. Her collaboration with Stockmann-Orno—Finland’s foremost lighting manufacturer during the postwar period—produced some of the most iconic lighting objects of Scandinavian modernism. Her designs are known for their human scale, refined functionality, and quiet presence.

Model 71-125 remains in excellent vintage condition, with the opaline glass free from cracks or discoloration, and the brass components showing light, age-appropriate wear. The original materials are well-preserved, maintaining both the structural integrity and visual character of the piece.

As a rare and collectible example of Johansson-Pape’s work, this ceiling lamp represents a synthesis of mid-century modern values: simplicity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the transformative power of light.