5321 Table Lamp

5321 Table Lamp by Paavo Tynell. Designed in Finland, 1941 for GUBI.

Designed during a pivotal moment in Paavo Tynell’s career, the 5321 Table Lamp presents a lyrical union of nature and craftsmanship. Its sculptural brass shade, perforated and polished with precision, opens in a form that evokes a seashell. Within, the light source is partially concealed, suggesting the delicate presence of a pearl. As a result, the lamp reveals Tynell’s ability to combine technical finesse with poetic detail. According to GUBI, the design clearly expresses his signature, nature-infused imagination.

Tynell, a central figure in twentieth-century Finnish design, often drew from natural elements such as snowflakes, marine forms, and forest branches. Moreover, his work demonstrated a consistent balance between ornamental delicacy and modern restraint. As the co-founder of Taito Oy, Finland’s first industrial lighting manufacturer, he influenced an entire generation of Scandinavian lighting design.

While decorative in appearance, the 5321 remains highly functional. Therefore, it suits a range of settings, including bedside tables, reading corners, and interiors that benefit from sculptural, ambient lighting. Recognized today as a timeless artifact of Nordic modernism, this piece also reinforces Tynell’s enduring legacy. He is often remembered as the man who illuminated Finland.