Paavo Tynell table lamp
This table lamp, model number 5066, was produced in the 1940s by Taito Oy in Finland. The design reflects the refined Nordic modernist sensibility of the era, characterized by material contrast, minimal ornamentation, and attention to functional elegance. Taito Oy, known for its collaboration with designers such as Paavo Tynell, was a leading Finnish lighting manufacturer and central to the development of Scandinavian lighting aesthetics in the mid-20th century.
The lamp features a square shade with softly rounded corners, constructed from crinkled amber-toned paper laminated onto a rigid frame. The paper has a distinctive texture and translucency, which diffuses light warmly and evenly. The upper brass plate is perforated in a radiating spiral of small pinholes, creating a subtle starlike light effect when the lamp is illuminated. A central brass disc acts as a finial and structural component, anchoring the shade while providing a compositional focal point.
The vertical stem is made from dark-stained wood, rectangular in section, with incised stepped detailing at its junction with the brass base. This detail introduces a geometric element that balances the organic texture of the paper and complements the machined brass surfaces. The circular brass base is flat and weighted for stability, with a small ivory-colored plastic switch integrated into its surface.
The lamp is in excellent condition, with well-preserved original materials including the paper shade, wood, and brass elements. It displays a warm patina appropriate for its age, and all components remain structurally sound and visually coherent.
The lamp measures 31.5 cm in width, 31.5 cm in depth, and 40 cm in height, which corresponds to approximately 12.4 inches by 12.4 inches by 15.7 inches.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 31.5 / D: 31.5 / H: 40 |
Producer | Taito Oy |
Decade | 1940s |
Country | Finland |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Paper, Wood |
Designed in | 1940s |
Item Number | 250133 |
Paavo Tynell
Paavo Tynell (1890 – 1973) was born on January 25, 1890, in Helsinki, Finland. He became one of Finland’s most celebrated lighting designers, renowned for his elegant, whimsical designs that bridged traditional craftsmanship and modern...
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