Maija Mehiläinen • Tapiovaara
- Table lamps
Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914–1999) was trained as an interior architect and gained early experience working alongside modernist icons such as Alvar Aalto, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe. Known for his thoughtful integration of form and function, Tapiovaara developed a distinctly Nordic approach to modern design—balancing simplicity with a deep sensitivity to materials, craftsmanship, and everyday use.
Designed in 1955, this rare table lamp—Tapiovaara’s only household lighting piece—features a rhythmic stack of metal discs that softly filter the light, evoking the glow of a beehive. Its name and form were loosely inspired by Maya the Bee, a beloved character from early 20th-century children's literature. Manufactured in Finland by Asko/Hienoteräs, the lamp reflects both architectural clarity and a playful, organic spirit. The base is stamped 'HIENOTERAS'.
Designer
Ilmari Tapiovaara
Year
1955
Dimensions
19x19x20cm
Materials
Brass, Lacquered white metal
