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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

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This candelabra was designed by the well-know Finnish designer Paavo Tynell. Widely referred to as the "the man who illuminated Finland", Paavo Tynell was a true master of light. Born in Helsinki, Finland in 1890, he started his career as a tin and blacksmith at the company Kory Oy. Simultaneously, he studied at the Helsinki University of Industrial Arts, to which he graduated as a ‘master craftsman’ in 1913. Through his works, he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability and a deep connection to the natural world. His favourite material to work with was brass, and he formed the material into shapes that are very characteristic and unique to his style.

This “162” candelabra model showcases Paavo Tynell’s expertise when it comes to brass. The candles standing at the same height evoke an elegant symmetry. They are each held by brass cups that have so-called chambersticks, which are small pans to catch dripping wax. The brass arms follow a beautiful curvature, giving this piece a sculptural dimension. The arms intertwine with each other and connect at the shoulder, beautifully held by the stem and base. Candelabra and candle holders are appreciated decorative pieces that bring warmth and spread a soft glow in the room; this candelabra can serve both as a focus piece, with its eye-catching design, as well as add to the overall atmosphere with soft candle light.

This candelabra was manufactured by the famous Finnish manufacturer Taito Oy, one of the most innovative Scandinavian lighting design companies of the modern era. Paavo Tynell was the co-founder and chief designer of the company until 1953. At first, the company focused mostly on interior and exterior metalwork. From the 1930s onward, Taito also began producing lamps for the lighting sector. The “162” candelabra model is an esteemed example of the excellent artistry of Paavo Tynell and of the quality produced by Taito Oy.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass has a nice patina.

Dimensions:

19.88 in W x 5.51 in D x 14.57 in H

50.5 cm W x 14 cm D x 37 cm H

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

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In her works, Kati Tuominen-Niittylä explores the concept of the container, interpreting it with natural colours and timeless, clean lines. This allows her to rediscover the beauty of both simplicity and archaic forms. The surfaces, meticulously treated as a sort of meditative practice, recall the light and landscapes of the Nordic forests.

Her minimalistic and timeless language of forms appears in every inch of this bowl that is in the field between art, design, and handicraft. This model blends multiple techniques with extraordinary skill alternating between wheel-throwing, casting, and hand-building with a prevalence of textured, carved surfaces, all of which are high-fired. The result is a uniquely textured look that is influenced by the various ceramic masses, clay slurries, glazings, and surface structures the artist uses. The bowl is just as interesting from inside as it is from the outside, with darker colours that enhance the texture and patterns. The inherent organicity is also apparent in the shape that doesn’t follow strict geometric principles, instead, has a natural flow to it. As a designer, Tuominen-Niittylä has been one of those postmodernists who softened the worst edges of the style into a more user-friendly form. Or as she put it: “I like the quiet movement.” This bowl is signed with “KTN” at its neck.

Kati Tuominen-Niittylä’s works do not fit directly under any ready definition. They have the kind of archaic timelessness that is recognizable throughout the long period of human history as we know art objects. This bowl is stylistically closer to the elegance of modernism than the playfulness of postmodernism, guaranteed to stand out in any style and type of space.

Condition:

In good condition.

Dimensions:

16.3 in W x 10.23 in D x 10.43 in H

41.5 cm W x 26 cm D x 26.5 cm H

About the designer:

Kati Tuominen-Niittylä (Finish, b. 1947) is an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist living and working in Helsinki, Finland. Her elegant minimalist works blend multiple techniques with extraordinary skill alternating between wheel-throwing, casting, and hand-building with a prevalence of textured, carved surfaces, and all of which are high-fired.

Evoking archetypal silhouettes reminiscent of functional vessels such as buckets and basketry, as well as shapes found in nature, Tuominen-Niittylä creates objects that are refined and sophisticated yet with a rough plainness that is further emphasized by the earthy neutral hues. The objects appear almost ancient or geological. The interchanging of techniques also affords a uniqueness to each piece, and it often leads to new details and finishes. Although the works are suggestive of ancient functional forms, Tuominen-Niittylä creates each piece purely with artistic purpose.

Tuominen-Niittylä studied at the Aalto University School of Arts, Architecture and Design. She is a member of the Arabia Art Department Society and has designed for Arabia Studios. Her work is in the permanent collections of numerous public institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Finnish State Collections, and the Shigaraki Cultural Park Museum in Japan.