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Maija the Bee Standing Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Hienoteras, Finland 1950s

Creator: Ilmari Tapiovaara - Asko
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
Designed in 1955, this Maija Mehiläinen (Maya the Bee) floor lamp is a simple, yet elegant piece. Tapiovaara's inspiration for this household lamp came from Maya the Bee herself, a friendly character from a 1912 German children’s book, that was also the basis to the widely acclaimed and loved comic strips.

In his clear and simple design style, Tapiovaara created a column of small metal superimposed discs from which the light glows as if coming from a shimmering beehive. Thin brass knobs and tubes fixate the discs arranged in a symmetric and rhythmic way. The partially cane wrapped stem and brass rings just underneath the shades form a nice contrast with the white lacquered aluminium. The lamp is kept in place by its three-legged base with round shoes. The original long-tube incandescent bulb, spreading diffused warm light, can be turned on by pulling the small drawstring. This lamp was manufactured by Asko/Hienoteräs Finland.

The interior is impressed with the manufacturer’s name: “HIENOTERAS”.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the base of the lamp.

Dimensions:
5.12 in/ Ø x 18.11 in Ø x 54.73 in H
13 cm Ø /46 cm Ø x 139 cm H

Literature:
Asko: Satojen Mahdollisuuksien Mallistoa Tavoite Kotiin, sales catalogue, n.p. for the standard and table lamp

Ornamo: Finsk Konst Industri, Helsinki, 1962, p. 50, fig. 200 for the table lamp

About the designer:
Ilmari Tapiovaara graduated in 1937 as interior architect from the department of furniture design of the Central School of Arts and Crafts. Even before graduating, Tapiovaara went abroad to work for Alvar Aalto in Artek's London office in 1935. Right after completing his education Tapiovaara got a position of assistant at the office of Le Corbusier, in France. These were not the only times he learned from international masters; he also worked with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in Chicago, in 1953.

Shipping:
This standing lamp will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the work in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	Finland
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Metal, Brass, Cane
Condition:	Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the base of the lamp.
Creation Date:	1950s
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Book References:	Asko: Satojen Mahdollisuuksien Mallistoa Tavoite Kotiin, sales catalogue, n.p. for the standard and table lamp Ornamo: Finsk Konst Industri, Helsinki, 1962, p. 50, fig. 200 for the table lamp
Dealer Reference #:	20190221
Incollect Reference #:	371141

Dimensions

H.	54.72 in;	D.	18.11 in;	Diam.	5.12 in;
H.	139 cm;	D.	46 cm;	Diam.	13 cm;

Message from Seller:

Located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, H. Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary design with a strong focus on Brazil and Scandinavia. The gallery strives to preserve and promote especially Brazil's rich design heritage and curates a select group of contemporary artists. Meticulous research, ie getting in contact with the original designers, producers, their heirs, and retrieving and indexing old catalogues and magazines is at the heart of its activities. All works presented excel in great

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