Tore Ahlsén ceiling lamp

This is a ceiling lamp designed in 1975 by Tore Ahlsén and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Gärsnäs. The lamp features a large spherical form constructed from an internal steel wire structure that defines a precise lattice of intersecting arcs, enveloped in a translucent white fabric diffuser. The fabric is finely pleated and tensioned over the frame, creating a rhythmic surface pattern of diagonal and vertical stripes that animate the form when lit. The shade’s geometry recalls botanical and organic structures, with the outer layer taking on a petal-like segmentation enhanced by the play of shadows and the glow of the internal light.

The internal support houses a central axis with multiple bulb sockets positioned evenly along a vertical axis, providing even illumination throughout the volume of the fixture. The overall composition is both architectural and ephemeral, with the thin textile membrane softening the light and giving the lamp a floating, weightless quality. The lamp’s structure remains visible beneath the translucent surface, resulting in a layered visual effect when illuminated in darker settings.

Tore Ahlsén’s work is characterized by its fusion of sculptural form and utilitarian function. His lighting designs, particularly those developed with Gärsnäs during the 1970s, are notable for their scale, spatial presence, and minimal material expression. Gärsnäs, a prominent Swedish producer founded in the late 19th century, was a leader in high-quality furniture and lighting during the mid-20th century and collaborated with many key Scandinavian designers.

This lamp measures 93 cm in diameter and 92 cm in height, with an overall suspension height of 145 cm. These dimensions translate to approximately 36.6 inches in diameter, 36.2 inches in height, and an overall hanging length of 57.1 inches. The condition is excellent with only minor signs of wear consistent with age. The textile is intact and evenly tensioned, and the fixture functions as intended. This piece stands as a rare and iconic example of large-format Scandinavian lighting from the mid-1970s, combining a refined structural logic with a diffused sculptural luminosity.