Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This ceiling lamp, conceived in the 1950s by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland, exemplifies the seamless union of modernist form and atmospheric illumination. Its main element is a broad, shallow bowl of opaline glass, 50 cm in diameter, which serves as a diffuser to cast a soft, even glow throughout a room. The glass retains its original satin translucency, free from cracks or chips, and shows only the faintest signs of age in the form of microscopic surface wear visible on close inspection.

Encircling the glass diffuser are three cylindrical bands of white lacquered metal. Each band is accented by a slender brass ring, which introduces a warm metallic contrast against the otherwise pale structure. The lacquered surfaces display small, age-appropriate imperfections—hairline crazing near seam lines and minuscule chips at the edges—that attest to the lamp’s six-decade history without detracting from its overall visual harmony.

Suspension is provided by a metal chain finished to match the lacquer, allowing the fixture to hang at a drop that can be adjusted on installation. The chain terminates in a simple, functional canopy that echoes the lamp’s cylindrical motif. Brass details—including the narrow accent bands and fitting hardware—have acquired a gentle patina, softening their original sheen to a subtle, golden warmth.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a pioneering figure in Finnish lighting design, co-founding Taito Oy and crafting fixtures celebrated for their poetic blend of light diffusion and architectural clarity. His work often combined perforated or lacquered metal with opaline glass to create luminaires that felt both technically innovative and delicately expressive. Taito Oy’s collaboration with Tynell yielded many iconic pieces of post-war Scandinavian design, and the quality of their metalwork and glass production set a high standard for lighting manufacturers of the era.

In its present state, the lamp remains in very good vintage condition. The opaline glass preserves its milky, uniform tone, and the metal bands continue to align precisely around the diffuser without warping. Minor wear on the lacquer and the soft patina on the brass together underscore the lamp’s authenticity and enduring craftsmanship. At 50 cm in diameter and 45 cm in height, this ceiling lamp stands as a refined example of mid-century Finnish modernism, offering both practical illumination and sculptural presence.