Milan 2014: Swedish collective Note Design Studio has designed glass lamps mounted on wooden frames that the designers claim were influenced by mind-bending illustrations (+ slideshow).

Stockholm-based Note Design Studio created the MCE Lamps for Belgian design brand Per/Use.

The design for the bases was influenced by illustrations and optical illusions by Dutch graphic artist MC Escher and Swedish graphic artist Oscar Reuterswärd, said the designers.

The solid oak frame balances on three points and allows the globe-shaped lamp to rest on top.

A small circular opening at the top of the shade can be pointed in the desired direction by swivelling the ball.

"Depending on how you lean or tilt the bowl you can direct the light like a soft spotlight," explained the designers.

The lamps come in gradated pastel shades in three different sized globes and frames.

They were displayed at Per/Use's exhibition in Milan's Brera district during the city's design week, which concluded yesterday.

Here's some information from Note Design Studio:

MCE Lamp for Belgian design brand Per/Use

The design of the wooden frame was inspired by the mathematical illustrations and optical illusions by M.C.Escher, Oscar Reuterswärd and their likes, hence the name MCE Lamp.

Of course this "impossible" frame is nothing but possible and it's sturdy construction allows the big glass bowl to rest safely. The glass bowl is blown in three different sizes as the frame and the generous bowl elegantly hides the light source. Depending on how you lean or tilt the bowl you can direct the light like a soft spotlight.

The lamp was launched during Salone del Mobile 2014 by the Belgian design brand PER/USE at the Per/Use own exhibition Brera Design District in Via Dell'Orso 12.

The MCE lamp was originally designed as a one-off piece for the Glass Elephant exhibition during Stockholm Design Week.

The exhibition was a collaboration between Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair and ABB.