Lisa Johansson-Pape ceiling lamps

An uncommon and large model 61-389 ceiling lamp designed by Finnish lighting designer Lisa Johansson-Pape and produced by Stockmann-Orno in Finland during the 1940s. Two matching examples are available.

The lamp has an elongated, rotationally symmetrical shade in glossy opal-white glass. Its profile develops from a narrow opening at the top into a broad, rounded central volume before tapering toward the lower aperture. A long, slender brass suspension tube connects the shade to a matching brass ceiling canopy, emphasizing the considerable vertical drop of the fixture.

A system of concentric brass rings is fitted inside the open lower section. This louvred assembly screens the light source from direct view, reduces glare and organizes the downward component of the light. At the same time, the opal glass diffuses light across the entire surface of the shade, producing soft ambient illumination and a warm, evenly distributed glow when lit. The palette combines luminous white glass with aged golden brass.

Lisa Johansson-Pape began working with Orno in 1942 and became one of Finland’s leading specialists in lighting design. Her work was based on the principle that the form of a lamp should follow its technical lighting function. Glass and metal were among her principal materials, and her designs ranged from domestic fixtures to lighting installations for public buildings, churches and ships. She also helped establish the Finnish Illuminating Engineering Society.

Orno was Stockmann’s specialist lighting manufacturer and provided Johansson-Pape with the industrial and technical framework for her experiments with light distribution, glare control and diffusing materials. Model 61-389 belongs to the functional branch of early Finnish modernism: ornament is replaced by proportion, material contrast and the visible organization of light. Its softly organic glass body also anticipates the more sculptural direction of Scandinavian lighting during the 1950s.

Each glass shade measures 35 cm in diameter and 50 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 13.8 inches in diameter and 19.7 inches in height. The overall height of each fixture is approximately 200 cm, or 78.7 inches.

Both lamps are in good vintage condition with small signs of use. The glass shows minor age-related surface wear, while the brass components have developed patination, oxidation and small marks consistent with their age.