Lisa Johansson-Pape flush mount
This very rare flush mount ceiling lamp was designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and produced by Idman in Finland. It represents a refined and understated expression of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design, notable for its material sensitivity and emphasis on soft illumination. Johansson-Pape’s approach to lighting was rooted in creating gentle, ambient light through thoughtfully structured forms, and this piece exemplifies her design philosophy.
The lamp features a broad, shallow bowl-like silhouette with a fabric diffuser forming the central visual element. The original pleated fabric is tensioned over a circular frame, contributing a subtle texture and warmth to the overall composition. The fabric is in excellent vintage condition, retaining its pleats and coloration without signs of discoloration or damage, ensuring both its visual clarity and functional performance.
Brass is used throughout the structural and decorative components, including a smooth outer rim and a central finial that anchors the form visually. The brass surfaces have developed a natural, even patina over time, consistent with careful vintage use. This aged finish adds depth and character to the lamp, though it may be polished if a brighter appearance is preferred. The combination of the warm brass and the softly diffusing pleated fabric creates a lighting effect that is both intimate and evenly distributed, typical of Johansson-Pape’s focus on human-centered lighting.
The form is balanced and harmonious, designed to blend with interior architecture while maintaining a distinctive presence. Its scale and gentle curves make it suitable for both residential and institutional interiors where ambient lighting is desired.
Lisa Johansson-Pape (1907–1989) was one of Finland’s leading lighting designers, known for her collaborations with manufacturers such as Idman and Stockmann-Orno. Her work is marked by an emphasis on functionality, diffusion of light, and elegant proportions. She often utilized fabric, glass, and perforated metal to modulate light quality, always prioritizing user comfort and environmental integration.
Produced by Idman, a historic Finnish lighting company that played a key role in shaping mid-century lighting design, this flush mount ceiling lamp is a rare and collectible example of Scandinavian craftsmanship from the period.
The lamp measures 70 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height. In inches, this corresponds approximately to 27.6 inches in diameter and 11.8 inches in height.
Dimensions (cm) | H: 30 / ⌀: 70 |
Producer | Idman |
Color | Beige, Gold |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Finland |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Fabric |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 232688 |
Lisa Johansson-Pape
Carin Elisabeth (Lisa) Johansson-Pape, born Johansson 21 January 1907 in Helsinki, died there 5 October 1989, was a Finnish designer, best known for her lamps. She was the most influential Finnish designer of luminaires in the second half of the 2...
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