Showrooms

Brass and Rattan Floor Lamp with Spiral Decoration by Itsu, Finland 1950s

Creator: Itsu
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
This floor lamp was designed during the 1950s, an era in which Finland saw the birth of many of its most iconic lighting models. Design wise, it was a period of consistency, excellence, and sophistication. Itsu, short for Itä-Suomen Sähkö (eng. Eastern Finland Electricity), was a small, (then) lesser-known manufacturer that produced characteristic models in small quantities.

Finnish lighting manufacturers were masters of creating designs with great textural variety, as this floor lamp demonstrates. The pairing of brass and rattan creates an interesting visual effect, where the traditional look of the organic material meets the modern look of brass. The twisted, rich brown rattan wraps around the stem from the very base of the lamp, contrasting beautifully against the smooth brass elements. The brass spiral decoration above the stem is also highlighted thanks to this contrast of materials. The mid-century modern movement ingeniously integrated the natural world into its designs, which can be observed in the material choices of this piece, making it quintessentially mid-century modern. The light fabric shade has an elegant and stylish look that stands out even more when the lamp is lit. Combined with the rattan stem and brass base with spiral element, the design offers a variety of points of visual interest. This spiral decoration is reminiscent of Finnish designer Paavo Tynell’s work. Itsu merged with Idman Oy in the 1950s, a large manufacturer who owned Taito, the company founded by Paavo Tynell. Thus, designs from Itsu of that time period bear some resemblance with the signature style of Tynell, and some would even say that they were heavily influenced by it. Itsu’s creations were a fusion of form and function, with a focus on decorative and stylish lamps.

The warm elegance and the “form follows function” ethos inherent in mid-century design is evident in this lamp, as well as the high-quality craftsmanship expected of Finnish lighting pieces. This floor lamp becomes more and more charming with each second spent on discovering its features, making it an ideal accent piece. Often, many people begin thinking about the overhead lighting and how it will serve the space; however, it's the freestanding lighting that plays the most pivotal role in getting it “just right”. This floor lamp is a truly timeless piece that would make a lovely addition to any interior.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The shade is a later replacement. The lamp has recently been rewired.

Dimensions:
17.71 in Ø x 62.60 in H
45 cm Ø x 159 cm H

Shipping:
This lamp will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	Finland
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Brass, Rattan
Condition:	Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The shade is a later replacement. The lamp has recently been rewired.
Creation Date:	1950s
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Dealer Reference #:	20231754
Incollect Reference #:	743863

Dimensions

H.	62.6 in;	Diam.	17.72 in;
H.	159 cm;	Diam.	45 cm;

Message from Seller:

Located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, H. Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary design with a strong focus on Brazil and Scandinavia. The gallery strives to preserve and promote especially Brazil's rich design heritage and curates a select group of contemporary artists. Meticulous research, ie getting in contact with the original designers, producers, their heirs, and retrieving and indexing old catalogues and magazines is at the heart of its activities. All works presented excel in great