Paavo Tynell table lamp

This table lamp is a rare example of model 9211, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s. It exemplifies Tynell’s refined approach to lighting design, combining sculptural form, decorative detailing, and a delicate use of materials to create both functional and visually poetic pieces.

The lamp features a flared stem and circular base in polished brass, with a warm patina that emphasizes the age and craftsmanship of the metalwork. The central stem rises to support a wide, gently domed opaline glass shade, which diffuses light evenly while maintaining a soft and ambient glow when lit. The top of the shade is capped with a signature decorative brass finial composed of a symmetrical arrangement of concentric brass wire loops mounted on a flared dish. This ornamental detail is distinctive to Tynell’s vocabulary and adds a lyrical, handcrafted quality to the otherwise minimal form.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was one of Finland’s most influential lighting designers and a key figure in shaping mid-century Nordic design. He co-founded Taito Oy in 1918 and served as its chief designer for decades. Tynell was known for his elegant integration of modernist principles with ornamental expression, often using brass, perforation, and delicate embellishments. His work, especially from the 1940s and 1950s, was widely used in Finnish public buildings and is today highly sought after by collectors.

The lamp is marked on the underside with “Oy Taito AB”, “Made in Finland”, and the model number 9211. It remains in excellent vintage condition, showing minor age-related wear to the brass surface while preserving the integrity of the glass and mechanical components. The original dual socket interior with rotation switch remains functional and intact.

Dimensions: 31 cm in diameter (12.2 in), 45 cm in height (17.7 in).