Paavo Tynell “K1-9/5” Ceiling Lamp for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s (sold)















Paavo Tynell “K1-9/5” Ceiling Lamp for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s (sold)
This beautiful brass and glass chandelier belongs to the legendary Finnish lighting designer, Paavo Tynell’s more decorated models of the 1950s. This model is quite rare in Tynell’s repertoire, and could only be compared to a custom commission for a restaurant at Pieksämäki in terms of its look.
There are a number of details that distinguish this chandelier from its fellow Tynell models. Firstly, the five shades face downwards, which is rare for his similar chandelier designs not only for this era, but also in general. Secondly, the opal glass shades have a peculiar shape that gives the lamp a modern look. At the same time, this K1-9/5 has decorative details that are very characteristic of Tynell: the sinuous brass is adorned by brass flowers and leaves, arranged freely between the arms to bring some artistic playfulness to the otherwise symmetrical structure. The finial is decorated with a brass flower-like detail that is slightly larger than the five flowers sitting on the body. The five opal glass shades provide a soft, intimate light that highlights the brass. After the war, Paavo Tynell began to design using brass, as it was the only metal which was immediately accessible, since it was a genuinely domestic product. Brass light fixtures quickly became Paavo Tynell’s trademark and brought him all the way to the US.
The lamp has Idman’s label engraved inside the firm. The firm, Taito Oy, was established by Tynell in 1918, and it would become his life work. In 1953, Idman Oy acquired the majority of shares in Taito Oy, nonetheless, Paavo Tynell continued to work for the company on a freelance basis, through his own design firm. This model was designed and produced during this time.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the brass.
Dimensions:
24.01 in ⌀ x 34.64 in H
61 cm ⌀ x 88 cm H
About the designer:
Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) was an industrial designer, known as the great pioneer of Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed as “the man who illuminated Finland”.
Tyne was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy – the first industrial producer of lighting fixtures in Finland. With the innovation of electricity in the beginning of the 20th century, Taito Oy and Tynell expanded the thinking and manufacturing of modern lighting solutions in Europe and abroad.
Paavo Tynell rose to prominence in the 1930s and 40s where he collaborated with some of the most renowned Finnish architects, Alvar Aalto being the most notable one. Working to incorporate artificial lighting into modern environments, Tynell’s company Taito Oy produced fixtures for all of Alvar Aalto’s major projects including the Paimio Sanatorium and the Viipuri Library.
Tynell was especially appraised through his involvement with the Finland House, a design atelier in New York that showcased the work of Finnish designers and craftspeople. His elegant brass designs became an instant success in North America, and he began creating lighting designs for the prestigious American company, Lightolier.
A master craftsman himself, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass as material. Marked by delicacy and softness, his most famous forms in lightning echo the structures of nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling snowflakes and seashells. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 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 models. As a master craftsman, his 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 set of four 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 rounded 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 set, 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 these lamps embody those qualities particularly well. The 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. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamps have marks, scratches, 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