Raoul Raba “Nonne” Table Lamp Original Edition, France, 1972

French design is generally characterised by unique forms that embrace timeless beauty with impeccable quality. The 20th century era marked a significant period for modern lighting de...

In Italy, the evolution of lighting design developed side by side with the post-war recovery after WWII. Designer lamps became more accessible, and the aesthetic and materials more e...

This characteristic Stilnovo table lamp is the definition of an eye-catching design. Decorative lighting is basically the fourth layer of illumination, the jewellery of the room. This lamp contains the comfort of ambiance lighting, the efficiency of task lighting, and the impact of accent lighting. Accent lamps are generally smaller lights that give a dark corner a nice glow. In this design lamp’s case however, the look is just as appealing when turned off, which can be considered a Stilnovo speciality. The copper structure is layered, starting from the bottom with a round black lacquered base. The thin, nickel-plated metal tube rests on a smaller round base and supports the drum-shaped middle section that serves as the diffuser. As such, it is made of thinner, tinted methacrylate that dims the light to create atmospheric, stylish lighting. The shade has small holes on its top that lets the light through for an appealing effect. The design is topped off with the thin metal tube piercing through the shade visually, ending in a small sphere as a focal point. The tricolour palette and combination of materials sets the design tone, creating an aesthetic that is reminiscent not only of the space age, but also of industrial design. This lamp is truly original and seems to find its origins in Europe. On a side table or a sideboard, this Stilnovo table lamp will quickly find its marks in any interior. To accompany the stylish look, the copper has beautiful patina that adds vintage charm to the otherwise modern aesthetic of the design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The metal has a beautiful patina with some marks. Dimensions: 6.88 in Ø x 13.38 in H 17.5 cm Ø x 34 cm H About the manufacturer: Stilnovo was founded in the heart of Milan by Bruno Gatta in 1946. In 1947, Stilnovo participated in the 8th Triennale di Milano and immediately activated a communications campaign, focused on the most important specialized magazines in the sector. In the following years, Bruno Gatta partnered with his brother Paolo, who had recently graduated from university and in September 1949, they opened “Stilnovo Srl”, with a share capital of 400,000 Italian Lire. This set off a managerial pathway which, over the course of just a few years, saw the company become a point of reference in modern lighting. By 1956, Stilnovo achieved a share capital of 4,000,000 Italian Lire, a tenfold increase in just seven years. Their designs were celebrated and the “2061” model became the first Stilnovo lamp selected at the Compasso d’Oro. In 1957, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni designed two Saliscendi light fixtures for the new Milan Chamber of Commerce. The coming decades brought many designs that are now considered iconic, and by the 1970s, many of their models were featured in various media outlets, galleries, and museums. Stilnovo took part in the 1972 show “Italy, the New Domestic Landscape” at the MoMA in New York, where the Periscopio and Nuvola lamps...

Designers have been consistently inspired by nature in their work during the midcentury era, which makes curvilinear shapes an ongoing font of inspiration. Like in so many other area...