Paavo Tynell table lamp

The very rare table lamp model Kypärä / No. 9209, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1940s, is a masterful example of early modern Scandinavian lighting. As with many of Tynell’s most iconic works, this piece balances refined craftsmanship with poetic form, combining functional lighting with a delicate, sculptural aesthetic.

The lamp features a gently domed brass shade, whose name—“Kypärä” meaning “helmet” in Finnish—aptly describes its softly curved silhouette. The shade is distinguished by a series of fine perforations near the rim, a hallmark of Tynell’s style. These perforations serve both decorative and practical purposes: when lit, they emit a soft constellation of light, diffusing a warm and atmospheric glow that enhances the character of the brass and adds a gentle ambient quality to the room.

The stem of the lamp is wrapped in natural cane, offering a textural and material contrast to the polished metal. This detail not only introduces an organic warmth but also exemplifies Tynell’s sensitivity to the tactile and visual relationships between natural and industrial materials. The use of cane also reflects his recurring interest in lightness, both in physical presence and in atmosphere.

Supporting the composition is a round brass base with a clean, unadorned surface. The base has developed a subtle patina over time, adding to the authenticity and vintage character of the lamp without compromising its integrity. The proportions are compact yet sculpturally balanced, measuring 24 cm in diameter, 25 cm in depth, and 34 cm in height (approximately 9.4 x 9.8 x 13.4 inches), making it suitable for desks, bedside tables, or accent surfaces.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) is widely regarded as one of Finland’s most influential lighting designers and a pioneer in the field of modern Scandinavian lighting. His work with Taito Oy during the mid-20th century defined a new language in lighting design—one that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with modernist form. Tynell’s lamps are celebrated for their poetic sensibility, innovative use of perforated brass, and integration of hand-crafted details.

Taito Oy, the firm responsible for the production of this piece, was established in 1918 and became closely associated with Tynell’s visionary work. Together, they helped redefine interior lighting in Finland, particularly through projects in public buildings, residences, and international exhibitions. Tynell’s lamps from this period are now considered highly collectible and are featured in major museum collections and important design archives.

This example of the Kypärä model remains in very good vintage condition. The brass surfaces exhibit light patina and subtle tonal variation consistent with age, while the cane wrapping is intact and well preserved. The lamp retains its original components, contributing to its rarity and value as a historical design object.

The Kypärä No. 9209 lamp is a refined and lyrical expression of Tynell’s design philosophy—at once functional, tactile, and atmospheric. It represents the convergence of handcraft and modernism that defined the golden era of Finnish design, offering both historical significance and timeless beauty.