Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This very rare ceiling lamp, or flush mount, was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland. It stands as a notable example of Tynell’s post-war lighting designs, which fused industrial technique with decorative craftsmanship. The lamp exhibits a characteristic mid-century Nordic aesthetic, combining precision metalwork with a graceful, sculptural form.

The design centers around a conical metal shade finished in its original green lacquer. The lacquer has retained its color remarkably well, presenting a rich, vibrant surface that reflects the stylistic tendencies of mid-century interiors while offering a rare and distinctive finish not often seen in Tynell’s more widely known brass-dominant works. The conical shape directs light downward, focusing illumination while preserving a soft ambient quality.

Beneath the shade, a brass element forms a series of concentric spiral rings. These spirals are finely detailed and serve both a decorative and functional purpose, diffusing the light as it passes through and casting a warm, layered glow. This interplay of structured form and diffused light is a hallmark of Tynell’s work, where mechanical clarity meets poetic expression.

The lamp is in good vintage condition, with a naturally aged surface consistent with its period. The brass elements show a mild patina, enhancing the visual texture and confirming the authenticity of the piece. The green lacquered shade displays minor wear and light signs of age, but remains intact and vibrant, adding to the lamp’s overall presence.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a pioneer of Finnish lighting design and a founding designer at Taito Oy, a key Finnish lighting manufacturer. Tynell’s designs are renowned for their use of brass, perforated metal, and finely crafted detailing, often blending modernism with a lyrical, almost decorative sensibility. The design of this lamp exemplifies his unique ability to elevate functional lighting to an artistic level while maintaining clarity of form.

The lamp measures 45 cm in diameter and 35 cm in height. In inches, these dimensions are approximately 17.7 inches in diameter and 13.8 inches in height.