Tore Ahlsén ceiling lamp

This is a sculptural ceiling lamp designed in 1975 by Tore Ahlsén and produced by Gärsnäs in Sweden. The lamp consists of a spherical framework composed of interwoven stainless steel wire, creating a large, open lattice form with a strong geometric presence. The intersecting curves give rise to a volumetric yet transparent orb, visually light despite its substantial scale. Running vertically through the center of the globe is a metal spine to which multiple exposed bulb sockets are mounted. The sockets are evenly distributed and slightly rotated along a sinuous metal strip, introducing a subtle rhythm and dynamic variation to the internal structure.

It was originally conceived with a textile diffuser that envelops the wire structure; although this particular example is presented without the fabric installed, the material is available separately. When illuminated, the structure casts a soft interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the three-dimensional geometry of the wire form. In darkened settings, the light sources glow openly within the spherical volume, emphasizing the internal rhythm created by the bulbs and their staggered configuration.

Tore Ahlsén (1919–2001) was a Swedish architect and designer known for projects that blurred the line between architecture, public art, and industrial design. His collaboration with Gärsnäs, a long-established Swedish furniture and lighting manufacturer, resulted in several distinctive designs during the 1970s, often combining technical clarity with sculptural expression.

The lamp measures 93 cm in diameter and 92 cm in height, with an overall hanging height of 145 cm. In imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 36.6 inches in diameter, 36.2 inches in height, and an overall drop of 57.1 inches. The condition is excellent with only minor signs of age and use. The fixture is both a functional lighting device and an architectural object, reflecting the experimental and expressive tendencies of Scandinavian lighting design in the postmodern era.