Paavo Tynell table lamp

A very rare table lamp, model 9211, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s. This model exemplifies Tynell’s refined balance between functional lighting and decorative elegance, where subtle detailing and material sensitivity define the overall composition.

The lamp is executed in brass and features a wide, softly domed shade in opaline glass. The shade has a smooth, continuous curvature with a slightly flared lower edge, giving it a calm and balanced silhouette. Its creamy, off-white tone provides an even diffusion of light, creating a warm and atmospheric glow when illuminated. The contrast between the matte translucency of the glass and the warm sheen of the brass base highlights Tynell’s characteristic interplay of materials.

A distinctive decorative element is found at the top of the shade, where a sculptural brass finial is surrounded by a delicate, looped wire ornament. This detail adds a light, almost whimsical character to the otherwise restrained form, and is a signature feature seen in several of Tynell’s designs. The slender brass stem rises from a circular base with a gently stepped profile, maintaining a clean and elegant vertical line.

The lamp emits a soft, ambient light that spreads evenly through the opaline glass, while a subtle downward illumination enhances its functionality as a table or bedside lamp. The overall effect is intimate and atmospheric, aligning with the Scandinavian modern emphasis on warm, diffused lighting.

The lamp remains in good vintage condition with visible signs of age and use. The brass surfaces show patina and wear consistent with time, contributing to its authenticity and depth, while the glass shade remains well preserved.

Dimensions: diameter 31 cm (12.2 in), height 45.5 cm (17.9 in).