Paavo Tynell floor lamp

The very rare model 9602 floor lamp, affectionately known as the “Chinese Hat” is one of the most iconic and sought-after lighting designs by Paavo Tynell, a pioneer of Finnish modernist lighting. Designed in the 1950s and produced by Taito Oy in Finland, the lamp represents a masterful synthesis of form, material, and atmospheric light, highlighting Tynell’s exceptional ability to merge industrial production with handcrafted detail.

The 9602 model is defined by its wide, conical lampshade, which is constructed from finely woven cane and edged with a stitched rattan border. The shade’s airy, organic structure allows light to pass through delicately, casting soft, atmospheric illumination while creating intricate patterns of shadow on nearby surfaces. The shape, which gently flares outward in an almost whimsical gesture, lends the lamp its nickname—resembling the silhouette of a traditional Chinese hat.

The slender, upright stem of the lamp is wrapped in cane from the base to the socket, emphasizing texture and tactility while providing a visual continuity with the shade. This detail is not merely decorative; it serves to soften the verticality of the brass structure and unify the lamp’s overall composition. The round base, rendered in solid brass, anchors the design with quiet elegance. Over the decades, the brass has developed a rich, warm patina—an aged golden tone that complements the natural hues of the woven materials and adds to the lamp’s vintage authenticity.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) is revered for his poetic approach to lighting, often incorporating brass, perforated metal, glass, and organic materials into his designs. His work for Taito Oy, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, is widely considered the pinnacle of Finnish decorative lighting design. Tynell’s pieces are characterized by a delicate balance between ornamentation and restraint, and the 9602 is among the clearest expressions of this ethos. It reflects his fascination with light as a sculptural medium—manipulated not just through form, but through texture, layering, and material warmth.

Taito Oy, the Finnish lighting manufacturer with which Tynell was closely affiliated, produced many of his most important works. Their collaboration ensured not only aesthetic excellence but also exceptional craftsmanship and material quality, allowing Tynell’s designs to endure both functionally and visually for generations.

In very good vintage condition, this particular example of the 9602 model exhibits only minor signs of wear consistent with age. The woven cane shade remains intact with no major losses or damage, and the brass structure is structurally sound, with its patina preserved and appreciated. The cane wrapping on the stem is well-maintained, contributing to the authenticity and completeness of the piece.