Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp, model A1965, was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s. The design is notable for its elegant, functional construction and refined detailing, embodying the Scandinavian modernist principles that defined Tynell’s work.

The lamp features a wide, bell-shaped brass shade with a high, tapered neck. The surface of the brass exhibits a scattered, dimpled pattern characteristic of Tynell’s decorative metalwork, and has developed a natural patina over time, contributing to its atmospheric quality. A white fabric diffuser is suspended below the interior of the shade, concealing the light source and ensuring a soft, evenly distributed glow. The light output, as visible in an illuminated view, offers a warm ambient effect with minimal glare.

The lamp is suspended from a ceiling canopy via an adjustable counterweight mechanism that allows the height to be altered with ease. The vertical weight is formed from a solid brass cylinder and connected to a slender steel cable, adding a sculptural element to the overall composition while also serving a mechanical function. The original suspension system, including the wiring and counterweight hardware, remains intact.

The lamp is stamped on the interior structural bracket with the manufacturer’s mark “TAITO OY AB” and the model reference “A1965″, confirming its authenticity and origin. Taito Oy was the original manufacturer of many of Tynell’s most iconic lighting pieces and played a central role in the postwar development of Finnish lighting design. Paavo Tynell (1890–1973), often referred to as the “man who illuminated Finland”, was known for his ability to transform utilitarian lighting into poetic sculptural forms using brass, perforation, and fabric elements.

This piece is in good vintage condition with signs of age and use, including surface patina and minor wear consistent with its material and era. It retains full structural integrity and presents an excellent historical example of mid-century Nordic lighting.

The dimensions are 45 cm in diameter and the height is adjustable from 105 to 160 cm, which corresponds to approximately 17.7 inches in diameter and a height range of 41.3 to 63 inches.