Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp
This is a rare and early ceiling lamp, model 9060, designed by Finnish lighting pioneer Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s. The lamp is constructed from brass and features a shallow inverted dome with a wide, flared profile. Its surface is intricately perforated with star-like patterns, which allow pinpoints of light to emerge through the brass when the lamp is illuminated, creating a visually arresting starfield effect on surrounding surfaces. A cylindrical diffuser made of frosted glass is recessed within the lower brass ring, ensuring soft downward light while preserving a warm, ambient glow.
The structural design includes an arched double-rod suspension, connecting the shade to a ceiling cup also crafted from brass. The lamp is engineered with an emphasis on both functionality and ornamental detail, showcasing Tynell’s hallmark use of perforation, refined materials, and sophisticated lighting diffusion techniques.
Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a master of Scandinavian modern lighting and co-founder of Taito Oy, where he served as chief designer. His works are recognized for their poetic form and innovative treatment of materials. He frequently incorporated motifs inspired by nature and cosmology into functional design, blending industrial precision with artistic softness. Tynell’s lighting was commissioned for numerous prestigious interiors, including government buildings and global institutions. Model 9060 was originally designed for the secretariat’s room at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, emphasizing its architectural significance and elite provenance.
The lamp remains in good vintage condition with visible signs of wear consistent with age, including a natural patina across the brass surfaces, which enhances its historical integrity. The overall form remains structurally sound, and the original perforation patterns and diffuser components are preserved.
Dimensions are 55 cm in diameter and 52 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 21.7 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in height.
Dimensions (cm) | H: 52 / ⌀: 55 |
| Producer | Taito Oy |
| Decade | 1950s |
| Country | Finland |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
| Material | Brass |
| Designed in | 1950s |
| Item Number | 124288 |
Paavo Tynell
Paavo Tynell (1890 – 1973) was born on January 25, 1890, in Helsinki, Finland. He became one of Finland’s most celebrated lighting designers, renowned for his elegant, whimsical designs that bridged traditional craftsmanship and modern...
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