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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

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: 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 himself, Tynell’s models were of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as materials.

In the 20th century, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including these model “2028” milk glass ceiling lamps. This pair embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised early 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 pure ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, it was known as Lattimo. At that time, the material was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century when it was used as home accents to decorate households. Milk glass was an extremely popular material for lighting fixtures in the 1950s, due in part to its ability to soften and diffuse light, as this pair demonstrates. To complement the glass, nickel-plated brass mounts attach the shades to the ceiling, offering the lamps a cool tone even when unlit. This model has a gentle, round shape that is just as soft as the light it diffuses. Tynell was a master of working with this material combination, and his milk glass ceiling lamps are some of his most sought-after designs to this day.

The 20th century was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers 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, as many sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical, they left an unforgettable mark in the history of light and ambiance.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additionally, minor imperfections may be present on the glass due to manufacturing inconsistencies. All lighting can be converted for US usage.

Dimensions:

11.81 in Ø x 8.66 in H

30 cm Ø x 22 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 born from a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material.  As co-founder and chief designer of Taito Oy, he developed fixtures that combined technical precision with an understated elegance, favouring balanced proportions and softly diffused illumination.

Before his retirement in 1953, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this milk glass ceiling lamp with the model number “2034”. The piece demonstrates this restrained approach with exceptional clarity. The fixture appears effortless: a gently rounded opaline glass shade is suspended beneath a discreet metal mount, creating a composition defined by pure geometry and grace. The softly tapering profile of the glass lends the lamp a sculptural presence, while its glossy surface reflects ambient light even when unlit. When illuminated, the opaline diffuser transforms into a glowing bulb, dispersing light evenly and eliminating harsh shadows. The exposed metal fitting provides a subtle visual anchor above the glass, introducing just enough contrast without disturbing the calm harmony of the design.

Although modest, model “2034” possesses an enduring architectural presence. Every element has been reduced to its essential form, allowing proportion, material, and light itself to become the defining decorative features.

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 item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Minor imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies. All lighting can be converted for US usage.

Dimensions:

9.84 in ø x 12 in H

25 cm ø x 30.5 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 himself, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material.

Tynell’s designs in the ceiling lamp series that this lamp belongs to merge together simple shapes and sculptural elements. In the 1950s, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this rare milk glass ceiling lamp with the model number “80112-25”. This lamp embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterized Finnish design in the 1950s. Still, 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 as home accents to decorate households. This lamp has an eye-catching blunted cone shape that has 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 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 1950s was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers 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, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's lamps embody these qualities perfectly, with clean lines, and a peculiar, but functional design.‎

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions:

9.84 in Ø x 10.04 in H

25 cm Ø x 25.5 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”.

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 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.

REQUEST PRICE HERE

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 himself, Tynell’s designs were born from a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material.

In the early to mid-20th century, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this pair of model “2025 A” milk glass ceiling lamps. This pair embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised early 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 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 to decorate households as home accents. To complement the glass material, the shades feature a bold geometric shape, which is the main visual point of interest. Nickel-plated brass ceiling caps connect the shades to the ceiling, offering the lamps a cool sheen even when unlit. The circular caps balance out the angular shape of the shades. Milk glass was a popular material for lighting fixtures in the mid-20th century, due in part to its ability to soften and diffuse light, as this model demonstrates. Tynell was a master of working with this material, and his milk glass lamps are some of his most sought-after designs.

The 20th century was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as creatives like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. During this time, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, leading to more designers creating pieces like this model. Both beautiful and practical, model “2025 A” left an unforgettable mark in the history of light and ambiance.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Imperfections on the glass may be present due to age and manufacturing inconsistencies. Additionally, due to the nature and age of the metal elements, some marks, scratches, and discolouration may be present.

This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.

Dimensions:

5.90 in W x 5.90 in D x 7.28 in H

15 cm W x 15 cm D x 18.5 cm H

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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

Finnish mid-century design is characterised by simple, elegant forms - which Paavo Tynell was a master of. Reflective of Finnish culture, he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability and a deep connection to the natural world. Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most collected mid-century designers. He was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturing company in Finland, Taito Oy.

Functionality and a pared down style are key principles for the Finnish icon. In the 1960s, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this opal glass ceiling lamp with the model number “A2-7”. With its sleek and simple aesthetic, and in the absence of heavy ornamentation, the emphasis falls on materials. Opal glass, appropriately named for its opaque or white tone, was first created by glass blowing houses in Venice in the 16th century. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes but continued to be popular during the 20th century. Milk glass was an extremely popular material for lighting fixtures in the mid-20th century, due in part to its ability to soften and diffuse light, as this pair demonstrates. To complement the model, three metal rings come together to create a distinctive element placed at the opening of the shade. Through its white colour, this detail provides an interesting visual point without overwhelming the design.

The 1960s was a decade of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. Tynell was a master of working with opal glass, and his lamps of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lights have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Imperfections on the outer glass may be present due to the age of the material and manufacturing inconsistencies. The lamps are compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.

Dimensions:

9.64 in ⌀ x 5.31 in H

24.5 cm ⌀ x 13.5 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”.

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 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.

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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

By the 1950s, Finland’s international reputation for great design was established, thanks in no small part to the work of Paavo Tynell. He was the most famous Finnish industrial designer and came to be known as “the man who illuminated Finland”, thanks to his notable lighting models. As a master craftsman, his designs were inspired by a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility.

Tynell’s ceiling lamp series that this piece belongs to merge together simple shapes and sculptural elements. From the 1930s through the 1950s, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including these “80112” milk glass ceiling lamps. The pieces embody the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish lighting design of the mid-century period. Still, even in the absence of ornamentation, there was a deep emphasis on great 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 constructing home accents. This lamp model has an eye-catching blunted cone shape with a strong presence sticking out - quite literally. Still, the edges are soft, creating an organic shape. Thanks to the concealed aluminium ceiling holders, these lamps are flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shades. Tynell was a master of working with milk glass, and these models are some of his most sought-after designs.

The mid-century period was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as creatives like Tynell and manufacturers like Idman pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. The best qualities of the era’s light fixtures are their atmospheric glow and disciplined, functionalist design. This lamp set embodies these qualities perfectly.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Minor marks, scratches and imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and the age of the lamps.

Dimensions:

11.61 in ø x 11.81 in H

29.5 cm ø x 30 cm H

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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

Paavo Tynell’s opal glass flush mounts are some of his most celebrated works, blending modernist minimalism with a soft, organic aesthetic. The designs are often seen as exemplifying the Scandinavian “hygge” - a focus on creating warm, comfortable, and intimate spaces. This piece is exemplary of this pursuit.

The simple yet elegant “2025” model embodies the sophistication of Finnish modern design. With its smooth unadorned opal glass construction, the piece provides a soft, even light, showcasing Tynell’s masterful ability to combine function with refined aesthetics. The clean cylindrical form reflects the era’s focus on simplicity and understated beauty, key characteristics of mid-century modern design. The design aligns with the broader unadorned design trends of the 1940s, where sleek lines, functional forms, and an emphasis on quality craftsmanship dominated. A wonderful thing about this flush mount—besides its stylish look—is that it’s an excellent option for making interiors appear more spacious. One of the hallmarks of Finnish lighting design is its seamless blend into architecture and interior design. Light fixtures like this model are designed to complement their surroundings while making a distinct visual statement.

The mid-20th century was a time of great innovation in Finland, as designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. There was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Paavo Tynell's lamps embody these qualities perfectly, with a peculiar, but useful design.‎

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor marks on shade.

Dimensions:

14.17 in Ø x 9.84 in H

36 cm Ø x 25 cm H‎

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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

Paavo Tynell was a pioneering lighting designer whose work in the mid-20th century defined modern Nordic lighting aesthetics. Known for his delicate, poetic approach and innovative use of materials, Tynell created pieces that seamlessly merged function and artistry. His collaborations with Idman in the 1950s resulted in some of his most celebrated designs, exemplified beautifully by this “2008” ceiling lamp.

‍The best thing about ceiling lamps - besides their stylish look - is that they are a great option to make interiors appear more spacious. They can be used to concentrate light, or to just add an accent to the room. Brass, and in this case nickel-plated brass, was very much one of the most popular materials of the mid-century era, and when combined with glass, a sleek shiny look can be created, like this piece exemplifies. The design’s main point is its effective simplicity, free of any unnecessary ornamentation. The uncluttered look leaves the attention on the materials and on the functionality that the form is in service of. In addition, while the design is quite succinct it still possesses a luxuriously stylish impression. Tynell’s designs are marked by a delicacy and softness that reveals his background in fine jewellery, and his most famous forms in lighting echo the structures of nature. Model “2008” is a modernist design to its core with a look that is timeless and can stand out and complement any space

Idman Oy was established as early as 1897 by Karl Hjalmar Idman. In 1953, Idman Oy, acquired the majority of shares in Taito Oy, the company of Paavo Tynell. The designer continued to work for the company on a freelance basis, through his own firm. In his day, Tynell’s atmospheric light fixtures attracted attention as far away as the United States.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Item may have some marks, scratches, and imperfections due to manufacturing inconsistencies and the nature and age of the materials.

Dimensions:

12.59 in ø x 14.37 in H

32 cm ø x 36.5 cm H

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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 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 himself, Tynell’s models were of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material.

In the 20th century, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this 1937 model “2028” milk glass ceiling lamp. This piece embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised early 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 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 to decorate households as home accents. To complement the glass, a nickel-plated brass mount attaches the shade to the ceiling, offering the lamp a cool sheen even when unlit. This model has a gentle, round shape that is just as soft as the light it diffuses. Milk glass was a popular material for lighting fixtures in the 1950s, due in part to its ability to soften and diffuse light, as this fixture demonstrates. Tynell was a master of working with this material, and his milk glass lamps are some of his most sought-after designs.

The 20th century was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers 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, as many sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical, they left an unforgettable mark in the history of light and ambiance.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections may be present on the glass due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age of the item.

Dimensions:

7.87 in ø x 5.90 in H

20 cm ø x 15 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 himself, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material.

Tynell’s designs in the ceiling lamp series that these lamps belong to, merge together simple shapes and sculptural elements. In the 1950s, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this pair of rare milk glass ceiling lamps with the model number “80112-25”. These lamps embody the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish design in the 1950s. Still, 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 to decorate households as home accents. These lamps have an eye-catching blunted cone shape that has a strong presence sticking out quite literally. Still, the edges are just as soft as the light these lamps diffuse. Thanks to the concealed aluminium ceiling holder, these lamps 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 1950s was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers 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, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's present lamps embody these qualities perfectly, with clean lines, and a peculiar, but functional design.‎ ‎

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions:

9.84 in Ø x 9.05 in H

25 cm Ø x 23 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”.

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 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.