Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This rare and iconic ceiling lamp, model A1965, was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. It exemplifies Tynell’s hallmark fusion of modernist functionality and decorative poetics, showcasing refined craftsmanship and the sculptural use of materials characteristic of Finnish post-war lighting design.

Constructed primarily from brass, the lamp features a spun, dome-shaped shade tapering smoothly into a slender neck, forming an organic bell-like silhouette. The brass surface exhibits natural oxidation and patina consistent with its age, adding authentic vintage character. Inside the shade, a frosted glass diffuser softens the downward light and reduces glare, offering both atmospheric and practical illumination. The diffuser is secured by a brass suspension ring that harmonizes with the outer shade’s materiality.

A key technical feature is its height adjustability, enabled by a counterbalance system. An elongated brass weight hangs alongside the central cable via parallel guide wires, allowing the lamp’s body to be raised or lowered to suit different lighting needs. This mechanism not only enhances functional versatility but also contributes to the lamp’s sculptural elegance, as the counterweight provides a striking vertical accent.

The top section of the brass shade is perforated with small star-like holes, which, when lit, cast delicate points of light onto the ceiling and surrounding space. This decorative detail is typical of Tynell’s work, imparting a celestial, ambient quality that enlivens the lamp’s presence.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a pioneer of Scandinavian lighting design and a central figure in Finnish modernism. His collaborations with Idman and Taito Oy earned him international recognition for innovative brasswork, perforated metal techniques, and organic forms. His designs marry industrial precision with artisanal refinement, elevating everyday lighting into objects of elegance.

The lamp remains in good original condition, displaying expected surface wear, oxidation, and patina on the brass. The height adjustment mechanism is fully functional.

The lamp measures 45 cm in diameter and adjusts in height from 135 to 160 cm, approximately 17.7 inches in diameter and a variable height between 53.1 and 63 inches.