Brass Chandelier with Floral Details by Itsu, Finland ca 1950s


































Brass Chandelier with Floral Details by Itsu, Finland ca 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Itsu, short for Itä-Suomen Sähkö (eng. Eastern Finland Electricity), was a small, lesser-known manufacturer that produced characteristic models in small quantities. Itsu stands as a beacon of innovation in mid-century modern design. This lamp represents an era in which Finland saw the birth of many of its most iconic lighting models.
Emerging from a golden age of Scandinavian craftsmanship, Itsu's creations epitomize the marriage of form and function. These designs sought to harmonize beauty and utility seamlessly, emphasizing natural materials and timeless simplicity. These qualities are visible in this chandelier. Anchored by an elongated, polished brass stem, the chandelier exudes understated luxury. The three gracefully curved brass arms extend outward, each holding up a frosted glass shade. The frosted glass diffuses light gently, casting a soft and ambient glow that transforms any space into a cosy and comforting environment. On the stem, in between the elegant shades, are delicately crafted floral details which add an organic and whimsical charm to the piece. The overall look of this lamp reflects the maker’s love for nature-inspired motifs. The interplay between the warm, golden brass and the matte, frosted glass creates a visual harmony that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Finnish mid-century design is celebrated for its minimalist sophistication, organic feel, and impeccable attention to detail. These characteristics are perfectly captured in this chandelier, making a wonderful addition to an array of interiors.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
16.14 in W x 16.14 in D x 21.26 in H
41 cm W x 41 cm D x 54 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
It is simply impossible to talk about 20th century lighting without mentioning Finland. By the 1950s, Finland had established itself as a force for innovation. The best qualities of Finnish light fixtures are their atmospheric glow and disciplined, functionalist design that is not short of subtle decorative elements, as this ceiling lamp exemplifies.
Designers working in Finland during the mid-20th century aimed to create lighting that felt modern without becoming cold or overly industrial. Clean silhouettes were combined with warm materials such as brass, wood, and woven elements in order to soften architectural interiors. Rather than relying on excess, emphasis was placed on structure, balance, and the way light interacted with surfaces. The goal was to produce fixtures that served both as functional light sources and as design statements within a room. This ceiling lamp model is made of delicate wooden slats which allow the light to shine through, while giving the fixture a subtle sense of organic texture and symmetry. The material introduces depth and visual warmth, softly diffusing the glow while contrasting with the texture of the smooth brass. The model remains elegant and refined, with a central brass element beneath the shade further offering visual interest to the composition. When turned on, the lamp produces an even and inviting light that works well above a dining table, in a living room, or in a more intimate sitting area. Its proportions make it suitable for a range of interiors, while the combination of brass and organic material ensures versatility.
In the mid-20th century, Idman Oy played a pivotal role in shaping the Finnish design landscape. The company collaborated with renowned designers and artists, resulting in a portfolio of iconic pieces that continue to be cherished today. This model - with its blend of materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless design - remains a testament to the company's dedication to creating objects of enduring beauty.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the lamp has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
16.34 in ø × 13.39 in H
41.5 cm ø x 34 cm H
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Gunnel Nyman (19 September 1909 – 7 October 1948) was a Finnish glass and metal artist, and one of the founders of modern Finnish glass design. She was also an advocate of early mass-produced glassware. Nyman's glassware is exhibited internationally in museums.
This “80115” ceiling lamp embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish design in the 1950s. Even in the absence of ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or transparent pure ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, known as Lattimo. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century, when the material was used for home accents to decorate households. This lamp has an eye-catching blunted cone shape, with the edges just as soft as the light it diffuses. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holder, the lamp is flush mounted without any exposed parts other than the glass shade. Nyman considered material an essential factor in design, to the point that - in her opinion - each object had only one material that it could be made from. Form, proportion and decoration were only there to enhance the properties inherent in the material. The Finnish design blueprint that was set during the first few decades of the 1900s is based on characteristics that can be traced in this lamp model: functionality, an understated, unornamented design created from high quality materials - and most importantly, by a skilled craftsperson.
Although Gunnel Nyman’s career was cut short by an untimely death, she had time enough to give a new direction to Finnish glass design. Her work foreshadowed the work of the 1950s and 1960s Finnish glass designers. At the Milan Triennial in 1951, Nyman was awarded gold medal for glass posthumously.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The ceiling lamp has recently been reconditioned. There are minor dents and scratches in the metal. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamp may have marks, 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 8.66 in H
25 cm ø x 22 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Finnish mid-century design is characterised by simple, elegant forms that Paavo Tynell was a master of. Like Finnish culture, he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability and a deep connection to the natural world. One of his favourite materials to work with was glass, as this set of three ceiling lamps showcases.
This pair embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised modern Finnish design. Still, even in the absence of ornamentation or elaborate shapes and forms, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or transparent ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, known as Lattimo. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century when the material was used to decorate households as home accents. These lamps have an eye-catching shape thanks to the brass ring detail. Still, the edges are just as soft as the light these lamps emit. These pieces are flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shades. Tynell was a master of working with milk glass, and his lamps of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.
The mid-century period was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as artists like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, with designers who sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's model "A2-7" lamps embody these qualities perfectly, with clean lines, and a unique, but functional design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The ceiling lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. There are minor dents and scratches in the copper. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamps may have marks, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. These lamps are compatible with E27 standard fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.64 in ø x 5.12 in H
24.5 cm ø x 13 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Gunnel Nyman was one of the pioneers of modern Finnish glass design, with her work extending from glassware to furniture and lighting design. Trained at the School of Industrial Arts in Helsinki under Arttu Brummer, she designed lighting for Idman Oy early in her career while simultaneously developing the innovative glass objects for which she is best known.
Model 51132/5 features five amber-tinted glass shades arranged in a circular composition, each supported by elegantly curved brass arms that extend from a central hub. The shades have a finely spiral-moulded surface that subtly refracts the light, giving the warm amber glass additional depth and texture when illuminated. The looping brass arms become an integral part of the design, creating a rhythmic composition of repeated curves beneath the glass. The slender suspension stem reinforces the chandelier's light appearance, allowing the sculptural arrangement of the shades to take center stage. The contrast between the polished brass and softly glowing glass creates a warm, balanced composition that is equally decorative whether lit or unlit. Every element is carefully proportioned, from the compact central fitting to the generous spacing of the five shades, resulting in a fixture that distributes light evenly while maintaining a refined architectural presence.
Despite her short career, Nyman received international recognition, including a gold medal at the 1937 Paris World Exhibition, and her work is represented today in major museum collections. This chandelier demonstrates her ability to combine functional lighting with sculptural composition, while reflecting the high level of craftsmanship that characterised Finnish lighting produced by Idman during the mid-twentieth century.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chandelier has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. The brass showcases a beautiful, slight patina. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
23.22 in W x 21.65 in D x 30.90 in H
59 cm W x 55 cm D x 78.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman, Tynell’s designs were reflective of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as materials.
This lamp embodies the sleek and straightforward aesthetic that characterised Finnish design in the 1930s. Even in the absence of ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting, high-quality materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or translucent pure ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, and was known as Lattimo. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century when the material was used as home accents to decorate households. This lamp is a mid-century example of the beauty of this material, rooted in its history. It has an eye-catching blunted cone shape with a strong presence, sticking out quite literally. Still, the edges are just as soft as the light this lamp diffuses. Thanks to the concealed aluminium ceiling holder, this lamp is flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shade. Tynell was a master of working with milk glass, and his lamps made of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.
Finnish designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques in the 20th century. At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's lamps perfectly embody these qualities, with clean lines, and a peculiar, but functional design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
9.84 in ø x 11.42 in H
25 cm ø x 29 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This stunning 1940s ceiling lamp pair was designed by Gunnel Nyman and produced by the esteemed company, Idman Oy. Established at the end of the 19th century in Finland, Idman Oy was renowned for its exceptional metalwork and craftsmanship, gained a reputation for producing high-quality furniture and lighting pieces that embodied the principles of functionality and aesthetic simplicity. These Model “81003” lamps are a shining example of their dedication to these values that still stand strong today.
Suspended from slender, elegant nickel-plated brass rods and finished with minimalist metal caps, the rounded shades float gracefully. The pendant lamps feature opal or milk glass, perfect for diffusing the light in an elegant manner. The glow enhances the surrounding space without harshness, embodying the designer’s belief in lighting as an integral architectural element rather than a mere accessory. The refined simplicity of the form allows the quality of the materials and the purity of the design to shine. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, showcasing a masterful sense of balance and proportion. With their timeless shape, these lamps have maintained their appeal over decades, blending perfectly into various interior styles, from mid-century modern to contemporary spaces. In the 1940s, Idman played a pivotal role in shaping the Finnish design landscape. The company developed an impressive portfolio of iconic pieces that continue to be cherished today.
Although Gunnel Nyman’s career was cut short by an untimely death, she had time enough to give a new direction to Finnish glass design. This model, with its blend of materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless design, remains a testament to the company's dedication to creating objects of enduring beauty.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the lamps may have minor 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:
Lamp 1:
9.84 in ø × 32.68 in H
25 cm ø x 83 cm H
Lamp 2:
9.84 in ø × 26.77 in H
25 cm ø x 68 cm H