Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp, model 9029/3, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in the 1940s, is a masterful example of early Scandinavian modern lighting, merging refined craftsmanship with poetic form. Created during the formative years of Finnish modernism, the lamp encapsulates Tynell’s ability to blend functional design with a distinctly decorative, nature-inspired aesthetic.

The fixture is composed of patinated brass and opaline glass, combining warm metal tones with the soft luminosity of milky white shades. The brass structure has aged gracefully, acquiring a mellow golden-brown patina that lends historical depth and richness to the piece. This natural oxidation not only enhances the visual texture of the metal but also affirms the lamp’s authenticity and vintage character.

The three glass shades are shaped as inverted tulips—one of Tynell’s recurring motifs—each supported by a delicately curved brass stem. The shades are crafted from hand-blown opaline glass, diffusing light gently and evenly, producing a warm, ambient glow. Their organic form adds an element of visual softness, in contrast to the more structured brass frame.

One of the lamp’s most striking features is the presence of ornamental brass details, including finely formed wire flowers and mesh leaves. These botanical elements are arranged along the stems, introducing a sculptural dimension and textural richness to the design. They reflect Tynell’s signature approach—drawing from natural motifs and applying them in elegant, restrained gestures that never overpower the structural clarity of the object.

Measuring 55 cm in diameter and 73 cm in height (approximately 21.7 × 28.7 inches), the lamp is well-proportioned for dining rooms, entryways, or central living spaces, where it can serve both as a source of warm, diffuse light and a decorative focal point.

The lamp remains in very good original condition. The opaline glass shades are intact, free from chips or cracks, and the brass components retain their patina without excessive wear or corrosion. The fixture’s structural and aesthetic integrity is preserved, with all decorative elements securely in place.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) is widely regarded as the father of Finnish lighting design. Known for his collaborations with Taito Oy and later with major architectural projects in Finland and abroad, Tynell developed a design language that fused craftsmanship with lyrical detail. His use of pierced metal, delicate botanical ornamentation, and soft diffused light made his lamps highly distinctive and increasingly sought after in today’s collector and design markets.

Taito Oy, active primarily in the 1930s through the 1950s, was the key manufacturer for Tynell’s designs. Their commitment to artisanal metalwork and their close working relationship with architects allowed them to produce lighting that met both aesthetic and technical demands at the highest level.

Model 9029/3 represents a quintessential example of Tynell’s mid-century output—where lighting transcends utility to become an object of quiet, enduring beauty. Its preservation and provenance make it an important piece within the history of modern Scandinavian design.