Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp for Rosenthal Studio, Germany ca 1970s




































Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp for Rosenthal Studio, Germany ca 1970s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Founded by Philipp Rosenthal in Selb, Germany, in 1879, Rosenthal began as a porcelain painting business before establishing its own porcelain factory in 1891. From an early stage, the company combined porcelain manufacturing with an interest in contemporary design. Fast forward to 1950, Philip Rosenthal Jr. joined the company and became closely involved with product design, eventually playing a decisive role in its development. He created Rosenthal studio-line, giving a distinct identity to the company’s more design-focused production and its collaborations with contemporary artists, designers and architects.
This 1970s ceramic table lamp belongs to that later period, when Rosenthal’s long tradition of ceramic manufacturing was increasingly connected with international modern design. The ceramic base has a bold bottle-shaped profile, with a broad cylindrical lower body flowing into a narrow neck. Shallow vertical ridges run around the body, subtly breaking up the curved surface and creating highlights and shadows. The glaze is rich, combining rusty browns and amber tones across the surface. A broad cylindrical fabric shade sits at the top, its generous width echoing the bold and plump ceramic beneath it. When illuminated, the warm textile filters the light softly and brings out the deep colour of the glossy glaze, allowing the ceramic surface to become animated.
The lamp has a strong presence without requiring an elaborate form, while the subtle details give the ceramic enough character to remain interesting. Its classic form and quality reflect the generational tradition of great ceramicists and designers that came together to build the history of Rosenthal’s studio-line.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.74 in ø × 22.63 in H
40 cm ø x 57.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Jette Hellerøe was among the ceramic artists who collaborated with the Danish workshop Axella during the 1970s, a period when studio pottery played an increasingly important role in Scandinavian interior design. Axella's production focused on handcrafted stoneware with expressive glazes and decoration, translating the qualities of studio ceramics into functional objects for the home. Hellerøe's designs are characterised by their sculptural forms and carefully worked surfaces, making each lamp unique in its own right.
Model “648” is defined by a compact, well-balanced silhouette, with a broad rounded body that transitions gracefully into a slender neck before supporting the bulb socket and shade. The lower half is decorated with geometric motifs separated into vertical bands, each panel individually carved to create a rhythmic pattern of abstract forms. Finished in a speckled grey glaze through the carved ridges, the relief catches the light across its raised and recessed surfaces, emphasising the varied textures. Above, attention is paid to the neck as well; its sandy glaze and rich look showcase the organic feel characteristic of handmade pieces. The shade with its undulating edge completes the design, adding yet another layer of visual interest, while the restrained palette allows the ceramic craftsmanship to remain the focal point. Overall, this piece embodies the perfect balance between a functional source of light and a decorative ceramic object.
Jette Hellerøe’s designs represent the bulk of Axella pieces remaining, and lamps like this one demonstrate why her career was so successful. From the carefully modelled ceramic body, tactile relief decoration, and balanced proportions, the lamp is a perfect example of the Scandinavian ceramic tradition.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.94 in ø x 22.44 in H
40.5 cm ø x 57 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This table lamp is a masterful display of modern Scandinavian design’s sensibility and craftsmanship. Crafted in the mid-20th century, it captures the elegant interplay of form and function that defined Finnish lighting design of the era. The lamp showcases the masterful mix of traditional materials and skill that sets its era’s craftsmanship apart.
The lamp’s defining feature is its distinctive brass structure. The brass has a warm, polished finish that reflects light beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to any space. The lamp’s unique look is solidified by the striking custom made shade, which is carefully composed of thin wooden strips arranged in a rhythmic, vertical pattern. This natural material creates a beautiful effect, allowing the light to diffuse when the lamp is lit, creating an inviting atmosphere. The shade’s organic texture contrasts beautifully with the sleek brass frame, highlighting the Nordic appreciation for natural materials and honest construction. The round brass base anchors the piece, providing both stability and a refined, minimal foundation.
Whether used as a statement piece on a side table or as an accent on a console, this Finnish table lamp offers both sculptural beauty and practical illumination. It embodies the spirit of Nordic design through its balanced use of metal and wood, meticulous detailing, and a form that feels timeless and distinctly modern.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Some minor marks and scratches on the brass. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.45 in ø x 14.96 in H
24 cm ø x 38 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
During the second half of the 20th century, Danish ceramics increasingly found their way into domestic interiors through objects that combined sculptural form with everyday function. Ceramic table lamps became a natural extension of this tradition, allowing potters to experiment with glaze, proportion, and surface treatment while creating practical objects for the home. Jørgen Holstein was among the Danish ceramists active in Copenhagen during this period, producing distinctive handmade stoneware that reflects the era's design.
The lamp is defined by a tall, elegant ceramic body that rises from a rounded base into a long, slender neck, creating a silhouette with strong vertical emphasis. Finished in a dark cobalt-blue glaze, the surface displays subtle tonal variation that becomes more pronounced as light moves across the glossy finish. Delicate horizontal incised rings encircle the neck at regular intervals, introducing texture and a handmade charm without interrupting the simplicity of the form. The lower section is broader and softly rounded, providing a stable visual anchor before the body narrows upward. Paired with a wide geometric linen shade, the lamp achieves a pleasing contrast between the crisp volume of the shade and the slender ceramic base. The combination of saturated blue glaze, restrained decoration, and elegance gives the piece a quiet presence that is equally effective whether illuminated or displayed as a sculptural object.
Defined by verticality, this model is uniquely stylish and guaranteed to stand out. Adding illumination to a living space with this stylish table lamp will not only improve the ambience, it will also bring a piece of design history to the space. The lamp reflects the charm that can be only found in pieces from small Danish ceramic shops of the period.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ⌀ x 26.77 in H
40 cm ⌀ x 68 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Kähler Keramik, founded in Næstved in 1839, played a defining role in the development of Danish studio ceramics, combining generations of craftsmanship with an openness to artistic experimentation. Nils and Herman Kähler took over the family’s ceramic business in the 1940s. The brothers began their careers as designers, but fourth-generation potter Nils quickly assumed control of the artistic direction of the firm.
This lamp, attributed to Nils Kähler, produced during the 1960s features an expressive ceramic body. The lamp is composed of a tall, elegantly tapered stoneware body that narrows towards the neck. The lower section is wider and features a finely debossed geometric decoration, creating a rhythmic pattern that catches the light without interrupting the clean outline of the form. Its warm earthy glaze reveals subtle tonal variation across the surface, ranging from soft brown to muted olive. The upper section is left unadorned apart from delicate horizontal throwing rings that emphasise the hand-crafted nature of the piece. Paired with a curved textile shade, whose undulating edge echoes the organic character of the ceramic body, the lamp achieves a carefully balanced composition. The contrast between the smooth glazed surfaces, the tactile pattern, and the off-white shade gives the piece a quiet elegance.
More than a functional lighting object, the lamp demonstrates the close relationship between Danish studio pottery and interior design during the post-war decades. As an example of 1950s Scandinavian ceramics, it offers a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and everyday usability.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
13.98 in ø x 20.87 in H
35.5 cm ø x 53 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Art Deco, which emerged from the 1925 Paris Exposition, celebrated craftsmanship, modern materials, and stylised forms - balancing decorative flair with functional clarity. This striking table lamp exemplifies the bold, innovative design principles of the Art Deco movement, which dominated the later first half of the 20th century. The style merged modernity with opulence, drawing inspiration from industrial progress and the glamour of the Jazz Age.
This lamp is constructed out of a triple-stem body, in which three slender copper supports rise from a broad domed base before converging to create a unified form. This arrangement creates a sense of lightness while giving the base a sculptural character. The copper has acquired a rich patina over time, lending it a charming, lived-in feeling. A wide conical shade complements the composition, its crisp geometric profile contrasting with the softly rounded forms below. The restrained material palette allows the silhouette to take centre stage, while the careful proportions ensure that every element, from the unique base to the delicate neck beneath the socket, feels balanced. When illuminated, the broad shade casts a soft, even light that reinforces the lamp's calm, understated presence.
The European Art Deco movement was a beacon of innovation and style, and one of its timeless results was this copper table lamp. This piece of functional art epitomises the elegance and sophistication that characterised the era throughout Europe.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamp may have marks, scratches and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
19.68 in ø x 24.01 in H
50 cm ø x 61 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The mid-20th century emerged as a golden era in design where form seamlessly intertwined with function, giving rise to beautiful pieces that continue to captivate contemporary sensibilities, like this table lamp. Its maker, Jette Hellerøe started her career after studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and worked for a period at her father's workshop. In 1972, she opened her own workshop in Lønstrup with her husband Flemming Schouboe, where she created ceramics until 2001, where this piece was made.
Featuring a minimalist and functional form, with decorative details and high-quality materials, this table lamp is a unique addition to any space. The design has a clear focus on the ceramic body. The unique base features a beautiful and organic colour palette with illustrative details, giving a clear artistic touch. The body takes a rounded shape, providing the perfect contrast to the cylindrical fabric shade. The lower section stands out through an intricate relief decoration. As light falls across the pattern, the recessed areas catch the shadows while the raised elements become subtly highlighted, giving the base a shifting appearance. This table lamp is the embodiment of modern design’s widely loved characteristics. Danish craftspeople are experts at incorporating functional elements in a decorative way, serving a dual purpose as a result.
Hellerøe is particularly known for her sculptural works, vases, reliefs and lamps, which often have a characteristic Nordic and modernist expression. This table lamp is the perfect encapsulation of her work and the overall Scandinavian ceramic tradition.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.75 in ø x 23.62 in H
40 cm ø x 60 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Olle Alberius was one of Sweden's foremost ceramic and glass designers during the 20th century. After studying at the Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, he joined Rörstrand in 1963, where he designed both unique stoneware and glass pieces. Founded in 1726, Rörstrand is one of Sweden's oldest and most celebrated ceramic manufacturers, renowned for combining artistic innovation with exceptional craftsmanship over nearly three centuries.
Alberius' work for the company is admired for its refined forms, expressive glazes, and sensitive understanding of ceramic material, all qualities perfectly encapsulated in this table lamp. This table lamp is defined by its tall stoneware body, finished in a deep blue glaze that shifts in tone across the surface, from rich navy to smoky blue-grey. Near the base, three horizontal bands introduce a decorative accent that reinforces the architectural character of the form without interrupting its clean silhouette. Above, the broad conical shade reinforces the geometry of the base, its generous proportions balancing the height of the ceramic body while diffusing a warm, even light across its surface. Together, the crisp lines of the body and the luminous glaze create a composition that is both sculptural and elegant.
This table lamp exemplifies Alberius' ability to elevate everyday objects through careful proportion and masterful ceramic craftsmanship. The richness of the glaze, combined with the gracious design, gives the piece a timeless presence that works equally well as ambient lighting or as a focal point within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
19.69 in ø x 25 in H
50 cm ø x 63.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This cantilever table lamp embodies an era of bold aesthetic choices that combined structural shapes with sleek materials. Postmodernism in the 1980s embraced a playful approach to design, making this table lamp not only functional but also a statement that serves to inject energy and individuality into any interior.
The silhouette is the central visual element of this table lamp, with a frosted glass shade suspended from an angular wooden arm, balanced by a contrasting egg-shaped base. The balance between clean linear elements and soft curves creates a composition that feels both dynamic and harmonious. The craftsmanship involved in creating this piece is evident in the seamless construction and attention to detail. The wooden body is carefully carved to highlight the natural grain and warm tones of the material, while the smooth finish enhances the lamp’s tactile appeal. Designed for both stability and elegance, the base grounds the composition without overpowering its refined look. When illuminated, the soft glow of the light allows for a warm, inviting atmosphere to emanate within a space.
While the latter half of the 20th century saw the takeover of mass production and many - now iconic - futuristic designs, this table lamp preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship and exquisite materials.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the lamp may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The shade is a later replacement. The lamp is compatible with E26 / E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
13.19 in W x 8.46 in D x 22.83 in H
33.5 cm W x 21.5 cm D x 58 cm H
Shade:
3.94 in ø x 8.07 in H
10 cm ø x 20.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
During the 1960s, Danish ceramicists and lighting designers increasingly explored the relationship between sculpture and functionality. Manufacturers such as Søholm - one of Denmark’s most recognised ceramic companies of the period - became known for collaborating with designers who experimented with expressive glazing techniques while maintaining a balance between natural materials, craftsmanship, and the practicalities of everyday use. This pair of model “1020” table lamps reflect the era’s refined yet expressive approach to design.
Einar Johansen was a leading Danish ceramic designer of the mid-20th century, best known for his long collaboration with Søholm. Originally trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, he honed his artistic skills before helping define Scandinavian modernism’s emphasis on quality, organic forms, and artistic individuality. His works elevated everyday objects into expressive decorative pieces while preserving functional clarity. This model features a striking ceramic base accentuated by an ochre relief of a lotus root. The rich blue glaze introduces depth and tonal variation across the surface, while subtle shifts in colour emphasize the handmade character of the piece rather than objective perfection. These lamps reflect the Scandinavian ability to combine bold form with restrained elegance, resulting in a design that feels both playful and refined.
Timeless and expressive, these table lamps function not only as practical sources of light but also as carefully composed decorative objects. Firmly anchored within the golden age of postwar Scandinavian design, Johansen’s works tread a fine line between art and utility through his use of sculptural forms and deep experimentation with glaze chemistry. His celebrated “blue series” stoneware remains highly sought after by collectors today.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shades are later replacements. These lamps are compatible with E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 10.03 in D x 18.30 in H
40.5 cm W x 25.5 cm D x 46.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Adjustable table lamps have been popular for many decades as changing domestic and professional interiors demanded lighting that could be directed precisely where it was needed. Designers responded with articulated arms, pivoting shades, and compact forms that combined technical functionality with the clean, sculptural language of mid-century modernism.
This lamp reflects the need for functional design, using a simple arrangement of brass components to create an object that is both practical and visually expressive. The lamp is built around a slender brass arm that rises from the base before bending into a dynamic angled profile, giving the composition a strong sense of movement. Its conical shade pivots at the joint, allowing the direction of the light to be adjusted for reading or task lighting, while the polished brass enhances light reflection and produces a warm, focused beam. The most distinctive element is the base, formed as a folded base with four corners, that create a stable yet light foundation. This geometric form contrasts with the fluid line of the stem, introducing an architectural quality that distinguishes the lamp from more conventional desk lights of the period. The uninterrupted brass finish ties every element together, allowing the changing reflections across the metal to emphasise the lamp's crisp edges, and modern look.
Combining adjustability with an inventive form, the lamp is a strong example of European mid-century lighting design. Its compact footprint, and refined, functional construction, make it equally suitable as a desk lamp, bedside light, or additional light in a living space.
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 item has some marks, scratches, dents, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E14 fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
3.74 in W x 10.62 in D x 14.56 in H
9.5 cm W x 27 cm D x 37 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This Finnish table lamp is a masterful display of 20th century design’s sensibility and craftsmanship. Produced circa the 1930s, it captures the elegant interplay of form and function that defined Nordic lighting design of the era. The lamp showcases a masterful ceramic form crafted by Kerttu Suvanto-Vaajakallio for Kupittaan Savi.
Many of the works made at Kupittaan Savi bridge the gap between traditional handcrafted design and modernist sensibilities. During the first half of the 20th century, when the company was under Kerttu Suvanto-Vaajakallion’s creative direction, it greatly influenced the direction in which the decorative arts in Finland took. This beautiful table lamp is a lovely example of Kupittaan Savi and Suvanto-Vaajakallion’s collaboration and their commitment to innovation. The base of this piece has a plump, rounded profile that feels grounded and inviting. Its stoneware body is covered in a rich, layered glaze in dark earthy tones, creating a natural look. The surface displays texture, reminding of the material’s qualities. The combination of the stoneware and textile shade create a dialogue between weight and softness, cool ceramic and warm illumination. This interplay is what makes the lamp feel both functional and artistic. The overall aesthetic of this piece is essentially Nordic modern thanks to the combination of interesting materials, texture and a design inspired by nature. The stone body is softened by the horizontal grooves and the pleasant warm light, creating exquisite harmony.
As a whole, the lamp delivers exactly the qualities most sought-out in early Finnish modern design: craftsmanship, clarity, and a quiet but memorable character. This piece shows why Suvanto-Vaajakallio and Kupittaan Savi’s works are valued to this day. It fits in both traditional and contemporary interiors and has the kind of understated elegance that enhances a space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the stoneware, the lamp may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
16.14 in W x 10.04 in D x 19.09 in H
41 cm W x 25.5 cm D x 48.5 cm H
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most 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 present model “9224” table lamp is a well known design famous for its characteristic base design.
This model is better known as the "horseshoe" due to the shape of the foot and other features making it resemble Thoroughbreds. In a 1950s edition of the Finland House Lighting catalogue this lamp was nicknamed Thoroughbred, but interestingly enough, not because of the horseshoe-foot. The Thoroughbred is a hot-blooded racing horse breed known for its agility and physical features including a well-chiselled head, a long, slim neck and a lean body. Features that describe this lamp model as well. This version (there exist one with small holes on the reflector) has a funnel shaped brass reflector with a ring of perforated lines highlighting its widening shape. The reflector is lacquered white inside and can be adjusted in its position, functional elements that show Tynell’s consideration for the user and the lamp’s utilitarian role as well. The most distinct element however, remains the brass horseshoe base that balances the design both visually and literally as well. It is a sleek, modern element that makes this model immediately recognizable. It is connected to the shade by a straight neck wrapped entirely in leather. 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, exquisite quality, and interesting play of materials.
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 table lamp showcases all his sensibilities that gained him worldwide fame and renown. This lamp is stamped by the Finnish manufacturer Idman Oy.
Condition:
In good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The brass reflector and foot have weather marks and patina.
Dimensions:
11.61 in W x 8.26 in D x 21.45 in H (shade is adjustable)
29.5 cm W x 21 cm D x 54.5 cm H (shade is adjustable)
Literature:
M. Aav, Paavo Tynell and Taito, exhibition catalogue, Ed. Designmuseo, Helsinki, 2005, model illustrated p. 21
Idman lighting catalogue, Helsinki, 1954, n°136. p.52
Idman lighting catalogue, Helsinki, n°142. p.80
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.