Lisa Johansson-Pape ceiling lamp

The ceiling lamp model 61-103, designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and produced by Stockmann-Orno in Finland during the 1950s, is a rare and distinguished example of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design. This piece captures the essence of Johansson-Pape’s philosophy: that lighting should be both technically efficient and aesthetically enriching—capable of enhancing an interior not just through form, but through the experience of light itself.

Crafted with a domed brass shade, the lamp embodies the restrained elegance characteristic of Scandinavian modernism. The exterior of the shade features a finely patinated brass surface, whose warm golden tone deepens with age, lending a quiet richness and tactile character to the piece. The subtle aging of the brass contributes to its timeless quality, while emphasizing the material honesty so central to the ethos of the period.

What elevates the 61-103 model further is the integration of delicate perforations arranged in a rhythmic pattern along the upper edges of the dome. These perforations serve a dual purpose: visually lightening the form and allowing small pinpoints of light to escape, casting a gentle, star-like glow on surrounding surfaces. This interplay of light and shadow creates depth and atmosphere, embodying Johansson-Pape’s mastery in shaping not just objects, but the ambiance they generate.

Beneath the brass dome sits a pristine white plastic diffuser that softens and evenly distributes the light. Its crisp, opaque surface contrasts subtly with the aged brass, highlighting the lamp’s clean geometric form while ensuring glare-free illumination. The result is a balanced distribution of both ambient and directed light, making the lamp suitable for a variety of residential and public settings—from dining areas to hallways or even reading corners.

Lisa Johansson-Pape (1907–1989) stands as a seminal figure in Finnish design, especially noted for her innovative lighting for both domestic and ecclesiastical spaces. Her work often emphasized utility, comfort, and simplicity—without ever sacrificing sculptural elegance. As a longtime collaborator with Stockmann-Orno, Finland’s premier lighting manufacturer of the mid-20th century, Johansson-Pape contributed to a national design identity built around warmth, precision, and integrity.

The 61-103 is emblematic of that legacy. It demonstrates not only advanced technical understanding of how light behaves in space, but also the designer’s sensitivity to proportions, materials, and human experience. Stockmann-Orno’s execution of the design is exemplary, with careful fabrication and finishing evident in every detail—from the balanced curvature of the dome to the precision of the perforations and the fit of the diffuser.

This example is in excellent vintage condition. The brass retains its desirable patina without corrosion or structural compromise. The diffuser is clean, intact, and free from yellowing or cracks, indicating careful preservation. Minor signs of age are consistent with respectful use and add to the piece’s authenticity.

As a collector’s item or functional design element, the 61-103 ceiling lamp offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Finnish design history. It is a sculptural and luminous presence—quiet yet deeply expressive—perfectly suited to interiors that value craftsmanship, subtle elegance, and the enduring relevance of Nordic modernism.