Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Ceiling Light with Original Shade

Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Ab, ceiling light, model '1085', wooden stalks, opaline glass, Finland, 1940s

A rare ceiling light, model 1085, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy Ab during the 1940s. The design reflects Tynell's distinctive ability to combine natural materials with refined lighting, resulting in a fixture of exceptional warmth and understated elegance. His work from this period is celebrated for its atmospheric quality and meticulous craftsmanship.

The lamp features its original shade, executed in a wide conical form that creates a light, architectural silhouette. Suspended beneath is a large opaline glass diffuser, softly dispersing the light while accentuating the warm texture of the wooden shade

A highly collectible model, retaining its original shade in pristine condition and bearing the manufacturer's stamp.

Finnish designer Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) began his career as a blacksmith. After studying to become a master craftsman at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, he co-founded the lighting manufacturer Taito Oy. During his career, he collaborated with fellow Finnish designers and architects, including Alvar Aalto. These collaborations proved highly successful and earned Tynell the reputation as "the man who illuminated Finland."

His international reputation grew through prestigious commissions, including work for the Finland House in New York and public buildings such as the United Nations headquarters. He also received numerous commissions from private collectors, for whom custom variations of his existing designs were produced. Tynell's work is characterized by organic forms and the use of perforated brass, often combined with unconventional natural materials for lighting, such as rattan, cane, and straw.