Paavo Tynell table lamp

This is a rare table lamp, model 9227, designed by Finnish lighting designer Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s. The lamp is constructed entirely in brass, a material strongly associated with Tynell’s work and known for its ability to develop a warm, natural patina over time.

The design features a wide conical lampshade with a perforated lower rim, consisting of a series of vertically aligned slots that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. These slots allow a subtle glow to escape, creating a decorative halo effect when the lamp is illuminated, characteristic of Tynell’s poetic approach to light diffusion. The shade is attached to a slender vertical stem, which is supported by a flat, circular base. The stem is adjustable through a clamp mechanism that allows the user to reposition the shade vertically, offering flexibility in directing the light.

The brass surface across all components shows a well-preserved patina, consistent with age, but remains in excellent condition with no significant structural damage or corrosion. The lamp maintains its original proportions, surface integrity, and construction elements, including the white rotary switch located on the top of the shade and the original wiring routed through the base.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a seminal figure in Finnish lighting design and a founding member of Taito Oy, a company that played a pivotal role in shaping Nordic lighting aesthetics during the mid-20th century. Known for his delicate and technically innovative designs, Tynell frequently integrated perforated brass and glass into his creations, aiming to soften and warm electric light. His lamps have become iconic representations of postwar Finnish design and are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and sculptural qualities.

This model is marked “TAITO 9227” on the underside of the base, confirming both the producer and model designation. It measures 41 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 23.5 cm in depth, corresponding to approximately 16.1 inches high, 11.8 inches wide, and 9.3 inches deep. The lamp is in excellent condition and reflects the refined engineering and decorative sensibility of Tynell’s mid-century brass luminaires.