Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This ceiling lamp is a rare piece by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell, one of the most significant figures in mid-century Nordic lighting design. The lamp features a rectangular body with softly rounded corners, composed of copper and lacquered metal. The surface exhibits a natural patina with visible small perforations across its faces, contributing to the lamp’s decorative texture and light diffusion. The underside is structured with a finely gridded copper diffuser, creating a striking geometric pattern that filters the light in a warm, atmospheric manner.

The overall condition is good, consistent with its vintage nature. The copper surfaces display a rich, aged patina with scattered marks and wear, characteristic of original mid-century metalwork. The lacquered portions have retained their integrity with minor signs of use, enhancing the lamp’s authenticity. When illuminated, the lamp emits a warm glow, accentuated by the copper grid which diffuses the light downward, while subtle perforations in the body create an additional decorative light effect on the surrounding surfaces.

The lamp was produced by Sähköliikkeiden OY in Finland during the 1940s. Sähköliikkeiden OY was one of the Finnish manufacturers that collaborated with leading designers of the era, including Paavo Tynell, to create lighting for public and private interiors during the rise of Scandinavian modernism. Tynell, often referred to as the “man who illuminated Finland” was known for his delicate, handcrafted metalwork and the elegant interplay of perforation, form, and function in his designs. This piece reflects his characteristic approach to balancing industrial materials with handcrafted detail.

Stylistically, the lamp is rooted in the Scandinavian functionalist tradition, where modernist principles are softened by the designer’s attention to craftsmanship and material warmth. The combination of geometric rigor in the grid structure and the tactile, hand-finished quality of the copper surfaces exemplifies the harmonious blend of industrial design and artisanal detailing that defined Tynell’s work.

The dimensions of the lamp are 76 cm in length, 15 cm in width, and 18 cm in height. These measurements correspond to approximately 29.92 inches in length, 5.91 inches in width, and 7.09 inches in height.