Paavo Tynell Model “5061” Brass Table Lamp for Idman, Finland 1950s























Paavo Tynell Model “5061” Brass Table Lamp for Idman, Finland 1950s
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell is widely regarded as one of the most important figures of Finnish lighting design from the twentieth century. From recognition at the Barcelona World Exhibition (1929) and Milan’s Triennale (1933), to the first prize for Best Lighting Design at the American Interior Decorator’s Competition (1950), Tynell earned his nickname as “the man who illuminated Finland”. After studying at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, he founded his own manufacturing company named Taito Oy, later merging with Idman. This collaboration resulted in the development of lighting fixtures that balanced craftsmanship, functionality, and a strong sculptural presence.
Model “5061” reflects these qualities through its distinctive use of polished brass and its elegantly proportioned silhouette. The lamp is constructed entirely from brass, a material that Tynell favoured for its warmth, durability, and reflective properties. The gently domed shade spreads outward in a smooth, continuous curve, creating a wide canopy that both conceals the light source and directs illumination downward. This form allows the metal surface to catch and reflect light subtly, enhancing the lamp’s glow while emphasizing the richness of the metal. The slender central stem tapers as it rises from the circular base, creating a sense of vertical balance that contrasts with the broader shade above. The circular base anchors the design without drawing attention away from the dynamic between stem and shade. This piece exemplifies the essence of Tynell’s designs: careful treatment of metal, soft diffusion of light, and forms that feel both restrained and expressive.
The 1950s were 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. Today, Paavo Tynell’s lighting designs remain highly sought after for their ability to combine technical clarity with subtle detail. Model “5061” shows this approach, demonstrating how a designer can transform a practical object into a refined piece of design.
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 material, the lamp has marks, scratches, and discolouration. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
14.17 in ø x 15.74 in H
36 cm ø x 40 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Paavo Tynell was one of Finland’s most important lighting designers and came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland”, thanks to his notable models. As a master craftsman, his designs combined a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility and an extensive use of glass and brass. His work with Idman followed the company’s acquisition of the majority of shares in Taito Oy in 1953, after which Tynell continued designing on a freelance basis.
This set of four Model “80113” ceiling lamps embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish lighting design of the mid-century period. Tynell’s designs merge together simple shapes and carefully considered materials. Each lamp has an eye-catching, shallow rounded milk glass shade with a broad upper section and a softly curved lower profile. The opaque ivory-white glass conceals the light source while allowing the illumination to spread evenly across the entire shade. The edges are just as soft as the light the lamps emit, giving the glass an organic shape despite the simplicity of the design. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holders, the lamps are flush mounted without any prominent exposed parts other than the glass shades. This keeps the construction visually clean and leaves the attention on the material and the quality of the illumination. When lit, the milk glass produces a warm, atmospheric glow and emphasises the smooth curvature of the shades. Used as a set, the repetition of the same compact form creates an effective rhythm across a ceiling while distributing light over a larger area.
The best qualities of Finnish mid-century light fixtures are their atmospheric glow and disciplined, functional design, and these lamps embody those qualities particularly well. The construction makes them suitable for hallways, bedrooms or rooms with lower ceilings, while the simple glass forms integrate naturally into the surrounding architecture. Combining Tynell’s sensitivity to light with Idman’s Finnish manufacture, the model “80113” lamps offer an elegant example of his more restrained ceiling designs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the lamps have 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:
9.84 in ø x 4.72 in H
25 cm ø x 12 cm H