Lights

Table lamp, from the 1940s, produced by the renowned Italian company Fontana Arte.

A pair of exquisite table lamps, designed by Pietro Chiesa. They will perfectly complement bedside tables or shelves, creating an exceptional ambiance. Crafted from intricately engraved glass, with brass accents adding the finishing touch, these lamps are truly special. Pietro Chiesa, born in 1892 into the renowned Ticino artistic family, opened his own glass workshop, Bottega di Pietro Chiesa, in 1921 after apprenticing with furniture designer Giovan Battista Giannotta. He blended exceptional modernity with high technical knowledge in his work, creating stained glass for the Trieste stock exchange, the motor ship Victoria, and the transatlantic Conte di Savoia. In 1932, Gio Ponti invited him to join Fontana Arte as artistic director, a role that allowed him to express his creativity by designing over a thousand different items, including furniture, tables, lamps, windows, and artworks. Chiesa passed away in Paris in 1948. Fontana Arte originated from Luigi Fontana's glass plate manufacturing company established in 1881, which achieved great success in the construction sector, becoming one of Italy's largest glass producers. In the early 1930s, Fontana aimed to venture ambitiously into the artistic glass and decor market, hiring renowned Italian designer Gio Ponti to assist. Thus, in 1933, Fontana Arte was born, merging the same year with Pietro Chiesa's company, Bottega di Pietro Chiesa. Gio Ponti and Pietro Chiesa became the company's artistic directors. They quickly gained recognition and esteem for their refined glass products, including stained glass, lighting, mirrors, and even glass furniture. In the post-war years, amid economic turmoil, they continued crafting prestigious pieces, primarily for hotels and offices. In 1954, Max Ingrand took over as artistic director, ushering the company into a new era of success. With his creations, they regained prestige and acclaim. Fontana Arte went through several ups and downs but managed to survive to the present day. In 1998, Fontana Arte was even awarded the ADI Compasso d'Oro for its significant contribution to Italian design heritage. Today, they continue their design endeavors, collaborating with many 21st-century architects and designers. Their notable works can be found in prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where they are part of the permanent collection. Dimensions: 18 x 14.5 cm Weight: 580 g The table lamps are in excellent condition. For E14 bulbs. Price is for one.

Wall light, crafted in the 1960s by the prestigious Banci company in Florence.

This handcrafted, gilded wall lamp is adorned with glass ornaments and is not just a lighting fixture, but a true work of art. This exceptional light will elevate any space, bringing that special touch that only a high-quality product, crafted by multiple generations of skilled artisans, can provide. Undoubtedly a wall lamp that will not go unnoticed.

Banci Firenze – named after its founder Giuseppe Banci, who first opened his shop in 1899, initially as a store, later adding a workshop where chandeliers and mirrors were restored. They quickly gained a reputation as skilled artisans, working in the traditional ways and using the same materials. The neighborhood where Banci was located had been known since medieval times as a hub of artists and craftsmen, renowned worldwide for its master blacksmiths. Thanks to this guild, Florence became an economic powerhouse and a meeting place for famous artists and artisans.

In the 1930s, inspired by the city’s history and the knowledge he had gained over years of restoration work, Giuseppe Banci, together with his children Gaston and Ghita, began producing the first “Banci” chandeliers. Although Gaston passed away young, Ghita continued the craft, and later three of Gaston’s children joined the company. This generation elevated Banci to new heights, expanding sales internationally and creating new lamp models. This led to new collections and unique pieces, blending one-of-a-kind creations with small-batch production. Today, Jacopo Banci works alongside his father Massimo, making Banci a company with over 100 years of history, spanning four generations, and representing Florence’s cultural and artisanal pride.

Dimensions: 54 x 31 x 8 cm

Weight: 2 kg

The wall lamp is in excellent condition. Fits two E14 bulbs.

“Ostrica” table lamp, manufactured by the Italian company Gamma3 in the 1970s.

This rare table lamp, named “Ostrica” (Italian for oyster), is a true design gem that perfectly captures the playful futurism and bold creativity characteristic of the Space Age design movement. Its name already reveals the designer’s inspiration: the sculptural form was created to resemble an oyster shell.

The vibrant orange exterior, typical of the era, provides a striking contrast to the soft cream-colored interior with a subtle pearlescent sheen. The upper inner surface is lined with a mirror, which helps reflect and amplify the light. The lamp can also be fully closed, further emphasizing its resemblance to an oyster.

Thanks to its ingenious design, this is not merely a functional lighting object but a genuine work of art. Even when switched off, it instantly adds character to a room and becomes a captivating conversation piece. It is also an appealing collector’s item, as examples in such well-preserved condition, complete with the original label, rarely appear on the market.

This exceptional lamp is a timeless design icon of the 1970s—ideal for collectors of Italian design, lovers of eclectic interiors, or anyone wishing to add a distinctive futuristic touch to their home.

Dimensions: 23 x 22 x 22 cm

Weight: 0,5 kg

The lamp is in excellent condition. Suitable for an E14 bulb.