Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp, model 9060, was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. Fabricated in brass and glass, it exemplifies Tynell’s signature blend of technical elegance and decorative refinement. This specific model is historically notable as it was originally designed for the Secretariat’s office in the United Nations headquarters in New York City, marking it as both a design object and a piece of architectural heritage.

The lamp features a wide, shallow parabolic brass shade, suspended from a compact canopy by a pair of curved brass rods that form a triangular suspension structure. The shade is perforated throughout with numerous small, evenly spaced holes that diffuse points of light outward when the lamp is illuminated, creating a starlike effect on the surrounding surfaces. At the bottom of the lamp, a stepped concentric diffuser in brass and frosted glass allows for a soft, downward light while concealing the bulb and reducing glare. This combination of functional diffusion and ornamental detailing is central to Tynell’s design philosophy.

The condition is good vintage, with signs of use and surface patina characteristic of unpolished brass from this era. The shade shows visible oxidation, minor spotting, and age-appropriate wear, all of which contribute to its authenticity and aesthetic value. The electrical components and fittings remain consistent with the original Idman production, as indicated by the factory marking visible near the bulb sockets.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a master of modernist lighting design in Finland and internationally. Trained as a metalworker, he brought exceptional craftsmanship and a poetic sensibility to his designs, often incorporating pierced patterns, organic forms, and delicate brass detailing. Idman Oy was a major Finnish lighting manufacturer and a primary partner in the realization of Tynell’s designs throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

This model stands out not only for its refined construction and atmospheric qualities but also for its historical relevance as part of Tynell’s prestigious commission for the United Nations. It represents Scandinavian modernism at an international scale, where beauty and functionality were merged in service of postwar diplomacy and architectural progress.

The dimensions are approximately 55 cm in diameter and 52 cm in height, corresponding to 21.7 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in height.