Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This very rare ceiling lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s, is a refined and sculptural example of Scandinavian lighting design at its artistic peak. Exemplifying Tynell’s celebrated approach to combining function, craftsmanship, and poetic ornamentation, the lamp embodies the designer’s talent for turning utilitarian objects into atmospheric, architectural elements.

The lamp is constructed with a warm brass framework that supports a large, bowl-shaped glass diffuser. The glass, rendered in a soft creamy off-white tone, serves to evenly distribute light while casting a warm, ambient glow. The bowl is elegantly suspended from a slender brass stem, giving the entire piece an air of vertical lightness and making it visually float in space despite its scale. The design reflects Tynell’s characteristic sensitivity to proportion, where every element is harmonized to produce a cohesive, quiet sophistication.

Beneath the central diffuser, a delicate and intricate brass ornament forms the lamp’s most decorative feature. Made of finely looped, wire-like brass elements arranged in a radial or lace-like pattern, this detailing introduces a handcrafted texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the glass. It exemplifies Tynell’s use of filigree and floral motifs, often inspired by natural forms, adding elegance without excess.

Measuring 60 cm in diameter and 90 cm in total height (approximately 23.6 × 35.4 inches), the lamp is ideally proportioned for use in dining areas, entryways, or living rooms—spaces where it can serve as a focal point and a source of soft, atmospheric light.

The piece remains in excellent vintage condition. The brass components exhibit a natural patina consistent with age, enriching the material’s tone and authenticity. The glass diffuser is free from cracks or chips, retaining its original color and surface integrity. All decorative elements are intact and structurally sound.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a pioneer in Finnish lighting design and co-founder of the lighting manufacturer Taito Oy. His work from the 1940s and 1950s is particularly revered for its lyrical use of brass, pierced and patterned metals, and finely crafted ornamentation that reflects both Nordic minimalism and decorative tradition. Tynell’s lighting designs—while rooted in modernism—often incorporate floral or folkloric references, resulting in designs that are both refined and expressive.

Taito Oy, under Tynell’s artistic leadership, was responsible for producing some of the most technically and aesthetically advanced lighting fixtures in Finland during the mid-20th century. Their close collaboration with architects and designers helped shape the visual language of postwar Finnish interiors.

This ceiling lamp is not only a functional object but also a sculptural piece that captures the spirit of Finnish modernism at its most elegant. Its preserved condition, exceptional material quality, and rarity make it a highly desirable collector’s item and an enduring example of Tynell’s legacy in lighting design.