Brass and Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by ASEA, Sweden 1940s (sold)















Brass and Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by ASEA, Sweden 1940s (sold)
The Swedish company ASEA has been around since the early 1900s, and are known for producing high-quality lighting fixtures for residential and commercial spaces. ASEA often collaborated with leading architects and designers such as Lisa Johansson-Pape and Sven Aage Holm Sørensen. Featuring a minimalist design, distinctive details, and high-quality materials, this ceiling lamp is a lovely ASEA product from the 1940s.
This ceiling lamp is defined by its compact, smooth form. The opal glass shade creates a rounded geometry that gently widens before narrowing toward the top, creating a soft profile that feels both controlled and approachable. When illuminated, the glass emits an even, diffused light, eliminating harsh shadows for a calm, ambient atmosphere. The brass mount above provides a subtle contrast, both visually and materially. Its polished surface reflects the light softly, while its precise, cylindrical form introduces a sense of order to the composition. The transition between the glass and the metal allows each material to retain its distinct presence while contributing to a unified whole. The low profile of the fixture enhances its versatility, making it suited to a variety of interiors. Despite its simplicity, the lamp has a strong presence through the balance of its elements and the quality of its materials.
Rather than drawing attention through excessive ornament, this ceiling lamp works with timeless materials to achieve a charming look. This kind of restraint is characteristic of Swedish lighting from the period, where the goal was not to dominate a room, but to enhance it through thoughtful, well-executed design.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Imperfections on the glass may be present due to age and manufacturing inconsistencies. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
12.20 in ⌀ x 7.09 in H
31 cm ⌀ x 18 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell was one of Finland’s most important lighting designers and came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland”, thanks to his notable lighting models. As a master craftsman, Tynell’s designs combined a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility and an extensive use of glass and brass. His work with Idman followed the company’s acquisition of the majority of shares in Taito Oy in 1953, after which Tynell continued designing on a freelance basis.
This pair of model “80113” ceiling lamps embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish lighting design of the mid-century period. Tynell’s designs merge together simple shapes and carefully considered materials. Each lamp has an eye-catching, shallow milk glass shade with a broad upper section and a softly curved lower profile. The opaque ivory-white glass conceals the light source while allowing the illumination to spread evenly across the entire shade. The edges are just as soft as the light the lamps emit, giving the glass an organic shape despite the simplicity of the design. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holders, the lamps are flush mounted without any prominent exposed parts other than the glass shades. This keeps the construction visually clean and leaves the attention on the material and the quality of the illumination. When lit, the milk glass produces a warm, atmospheric glow and emphasises the smooth curvature of the shades. Used as a pair, the repetition of the same compact form creates an effective rhythm across a ceiling while distributing light over a larger area.
The best qualities of Finnish mid-century light fixtures are their atmospheric glow and disciplined, functional design, and this pair embodies these qualities particularly well. Their construction makes them suitable for hallways, bedrooms or rooms with lower ceilings, while the simple glass forms integrate naturally into the surrounding architecture. Combining Tynell’s sensitivity to light with Idman’s Finnish manufacture, the model “80113” lamps offer an elegant example of his more restrained ceiling designs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned. There are minor dents and scratches in the metal. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamp may have marks, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.84 in ø x 4.72 in H
25 cm ø x 12 cm H