Paavo Tynell floor lamp

The very rare floor lamp model 9602, also known as the “Chinese Hat”, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced in the 1950s by Idman in Finland, is a celebrated icon of Scandinavian modern lighting. This piece captures Tynell’s mastery in blending delicate, handcrafted materials with a refined modernist sensibility, resulting in a design that is both functional and sculpturally elegant.

The lamp features a tall, slender brass stem wrapped in coiled rattan, a material choice that introduces warmth and tactility to the otherwise sleek structure. The natural tone and texture of the rattan serve as a beautiful contrast to the polished brass detailing, exemplifying Tynell’s subtle use of contrasting materials to achieve visual harmony. This organic-meets-industrial approach defines much of his lighting work and is a hallmark of his legacy.

Crowning the stem is the iconic conical pleated fabric shade, which flares gently outward like a traditional Chinese hat—hence the model’s nickname. The pleated shade diffuses the light softly and evenly, producing a warm ambient glow ideal for reading corners, living rooms, or intimate interiors. A small brass finial atop the shade adds a delicate finishing touch and reflects the designer’s attention to even the smallest decorative detail.

The lamp stands on a circular, weighted brass base that anchors the design with elegance and stability. The base’s minimal profile reinforces the vertical emphasis of the form, while the overall proportions of the lamp—graceful and balanced—enhance its sculptural appeal.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973), one of Finland’s most esteemed lighting designers, was known for his poetic approach to light and materials. His designs for Taito and Idman are now considered masterpieces of modern lighting and are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Model 9602 is particularly significant in his oeuvre for its ability to convey softness and structure simultaneously.

The dimensions of the lamp are 60 cm in diameter and 152 cm in height. In imperial units, this equates to approximately 23.6 inches in diameter and 59.8 inches high.