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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur

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.

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.