Paavo Tynell floor lamp

Rare floor lamp model Chinese Hat, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. This highly sought-after model is among Tynell’s most elegant and recognizable lighting designs, reflecting his unique ability to combine refined craftsmanship, delicate proportions, and atmospheric illumination. The lamp embodies the sophisticated warmth that has made Finnish mid-century lighting internationally admired and increasingly collectible.

The design is characterized by its exceptionally slender stem wrapped in natural cane, a material frequently employed by Tynell to introduce texture and organic warmth into otherwise minimalist forms. Rising from a finely shaped brass base, the stem supports the lamp’s distinctive conical shade, whose silhouette inspired the model’s popular “Chinese Hat” nickname. The broad shade creates a graceful floating appearance while distributing light evenly and softly throughout the room.

Details such as the brass finial, brass fittings, and the beautifully proportioned circular base demonstrate the designer’s meticulous attention to materiality and balance. The combination of patinated brass and woven cane creates a subtle interplay between luxury and natural craftsmanship, a hallmark of Paavo Tynell’s work. The lamp has been fitted with a new custom-made shade that closely follows the original design, preserving the character and visual integrity of the model while ensuring excellent presentation.

When illuminated, the shade produces a warm, atmospheric glow, directing light both downward and gently across the surface of the shade. The result is a soft ambient light that highlights the sculptural qualities of the lamp while creating a welcoming atmosphere. The elegant proportions and understated sophistication make it equally suitable for living rooms, reading corners, bedrooms, or refined hospitality interiors.

Paavo Tynell is regarded as one of the most important figures in twentieth-century lighting design, and his collaborations with Finnish manufacturers such as Idman remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide. His designs successfully bridged traditional craftsmanship and modernism, often incorporating brass, cane, and perforated metal details that became defining characteristics of Scandinavian lighting.

The lamp remains in good vintage condition with age-related signs of use and an attractive patina to the brass surfaces. The base shows minor wear and small imperfections consistent with age and use, while the cane wrapping remains well preserved.

Diameter 60 cm (23.6 in), Height 147 cm (57.9 in).