Paavo Tynell floor lamp

This very rare floor lamp, model 9609, was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1940s. The design exemplifies Tynell’s approach to lighting, where utilitarian structures are elevated through refined materials and subtle, elegant detailing. The lamp features a brass frame with a stem wrapped in tightly coiled natural cane, providing both a tactile contrast and a rhythmic visual texture. The stem emerges from a three-legged arched brass base, each leg slightly flared at the foot to ensure stability and balance.

The shade is conical and crafted from light textile, mounted on an adjustable brass fitting at the top of the stem. A curved brass neck allows for directional adjustment, reflecting Tynell’s functionalist ethos combined with poetic form. The brass has developed a warm patina consistent with age, while the cane wrapping remains intact with minor signs of wear that contribute to the piece’s historical character.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a prominent Finnish lighting designer and co-founder of Taito Oy, the principal producer of his early work. His designs often blend modernist principles with craft traditions, notably through the use of brass and woven materials. Model 9609 is a less common example of his work, marking a transitional phase between pre-war craftsmanship and the emerging simplicity of mid-century modern design.

The lamp is in good vintage condition. The brass displays age-appropriate oxidation and surface marks, while the cane wrapping remains stable and complete. The textile shade is clean and uniformly colored, showing no structural damage.

Dimensions measure 36 cm in width, 60 cm in depth, and 152 cm in height, approximately 14.2 inches wide, 23.6 inches deep, and 59.8 inches tall. This piece is a notable example of Finnish mid-century lighting design, balancing functionality with artisanal detail.