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Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and collected mid-century designers. Tynell was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturing company in Finland, Taito Oy. The model “9602” floor lamp is a well known design famous for its large Chinese hat style shade. This example is a rare first edition example identified by its splayed, tripod legged base in solid brass.

This model “9602” floor lamp, also known as the “Chinese Hat” was originally designed for Hotel Aulanko in Finland. While Tynell’s company collaborated with up-and-coming talent as well as more established names such as Alvar Aalto, Tynell’s own designs are the most collected for their elegant brass forms, beautiful detailing and exquisite quality. The design features an interesting play of materials. The base is made of brass, while the lampshade is in an off-white fabric with a brass “crown”. However, the most fascinating part in terms of materials, is undoubtedly the stem, which is covered in twisted cane. The top - that inspired the nickname of this model - has a playful and light quality with a subdued texture in the shade. The brass cap and tripod base are simple, yet important design elements that give this floor lamp its modern look. The top is balanced by the elegant, but static form of the base. The light uses two bulbs that provide warm ambient light to any environment.

A master craftsman himself, Tynell’s design is derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass as material. This floor lamp showcases all his sensibilities that landed this model on the cover of several magazines.

Condition:

In good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The brass parts have some weather marks.

Dimensions:

23.62 in Ø x 59.85 in H

60 cm Ø x 152 cm H

Literature:

Idman: Koristevalaisinluettelo ("Idman lighting catalogue"), sales catalogue, Helsinki 1954, n° 136. Similar item, p. 58

"Finland House Lighting: harmony in lighting for harmony in living, original designs by Paavo Tynell", New York. Similar item, p. 11 and p. 26.

T. Poutasuo, "Paavo Tynell ja Taito Oy", Helsinki, 2005. Similar item, p. 22.

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”.

Tynell 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 when 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. 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. 

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.