Gino Sarfatti and Archimede Seguso Chandelier for Lightolier
About the Item
- Creator:Gino Sarfatti (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Diameter: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Francisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU812511745533
Gino Sarfatti
That a spiky, futuristic chandelier named “Sputnik,” which was highly suggestive of the Soviet satellite of the same name, designed by an Italian engineer could predate the space age and the satellite’s launch by a few decades is the stuff of legend. But in 1939, Venetian-born Gino Sarfatti channeled his obsession with light and expert engineering skills into a design so bold it predicted the future. He would go on to design around 700 lighting products in his lifetime — each table lamp, wall light, pendant and chandelier superb and unorthodox in shape.
Sarfatti’s singular focus on creating opulent lighting designs that were rational in their use of resources makes him one of the most innovative lighting designers in history. He was studying to be an aeronautical engineer at the University of Genoa when his family’s financial troubles led him to drop out and move to Milan to help. During this time, he built a lamp for a friend using a coffee machine’s electric components and a glass vase. This exercise sparked his fascination with lighting, and he went on to found Arteluce in 1939. What followed was a period of working with skilled artisans and tinkering with materials instead of sketching. The self-taught designer soon established himself as a creator of provocative, sculptural luxury lighting. Through the company, he collaborated with some of the 20th century’s most influential designers, such as Vittoriano Viganò, who worked on Arteluce lighting between 1946 and 1960. In the 1950s and ’70s, Franco Albini, Franca Helg, Ico Parisi and Massimo Vignelli all contributed designs.
Sarfatti used resources mindfully and injected functionality into everything he designed. His light fixtures were lightweight, easy to take apart and reassemble and could be affordably repaired. This marriage of utilitarianism and glamour lent Sarfatti’s designs a clean, minimal yet arresting splendor, based on their graphical forms and construction.
After World War II, Sarfatti embraced new wiring technologies and materials like plexiglass, such as his 1972 project with Carlo Mollino that filled the Teatro Regio in Turin with hundreds of plexiglass pipes. In 1973, Sarfatti sold Arteluce to FLOS. His foresight, invention and fearlessness as a designer are revered to this day.
Find a collection of vintage Gino Sarfatti lighting now on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: San Francisco, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Gino Sarfatti and Archimede Seguso Chandelier for LightolierBy Gino SarfattiLocated in San Francisco, CAGino Sarfatti and Archimede Seguso three-light chandelier for Lightolier.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsGlass
- Gerald Thurston Parabolic Fin Lamp for LightolierBy Gerald ThurstonLocated in San Francisco, CAGerald Thurston design Parabolic Fin table lamp for Lightolier, Circa 1950's.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Gerald Thurston Brass Table Lamp for LightolierBy Gerald ThurstonLocated in San Francisco, CAGerald Thurston brass double shade table lamp for Lightolier, U.S.A. Reminiscent of a bankers counter or desk lamp impressive scale with double l...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman for A.P. StolenBy Hans J. WegnerLocated in San Francisco, CAHans J. Wegner design "Papa Bear" chair and matching ottoman produced for A.P. Stolen, Denmark. This an original matched set that has been perfectly refinished and newly upholstered ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Oak, Teak
- Edward Wormley Ottoman for DunbarBy Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in San Francisco, CAEdward Wormley design x-base ottoman for Dunbar Furniture. Timeless and classic design by Wormley offering additional seating for any arrangement. Newly refinished and upholstered in...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsUpholstery, Mahogany
- Lagardo Tackett for Architectural PotteryBy Lagardo TackettLocated in San Francisco, CAMint condition original Lagardo Tackett design bisque planter for Architectural Pottery, U.S.A.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsCeramic
- Bubble Pendants by Gino Sarfatti and Archimede Seguso for LightolierBy Lightolier, Gino Sarfatti, Archimede SegusoLocated in Brooklyn, NYPriced individually. Italian modern Bubble Pendant Lamps by Gino Sarfatti in collaboration with artisan Archimede Seguso for Lightolier. These exquisite 1950s glass pendants consist ...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBlown Glass
- Gino Sarfatti and Archimede Seguso Murano Glass Pendant Chandelier For ArteluceBy Gino SarfattiLocated in Chicago, ILA three arm pendant chandelier by Gino Sarfatti with Archimede Seguso for Arteluce. The Murano glass globes are mouth blown, "bubblicante", concentric rows of encased bubbles. Black ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsGlass
- Two pendant Lights by Gino Sarfatti and Archimede SegusoBy Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Gino SarfattiLocated in London, GBTwo seguso glass orbs, brass ceiling rose. Painted brass Re wired Drop adjustable.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Gino Sarfatti Sconces for Archimede Seguso, a PairBy Gino Sarfatti, Archimede SegusoLocated in Brooklyn, NYGino Sarfatti sconces for Archimede Seguso, a pair Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1950s Seguso bullicante glass and enameled metal frames. Rewired for US with custom back plat...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Seguso Pendants by Gino Sarfatti for ArteluceBy Gino Sarfatti, Archimede SegusoLocated in Brooklyn, NYGino Sarfatti pendants for Archimede Seguso. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s Seguso bullicante glass and enameled metal frames. Take o...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- 1960s Gino Sarfatti Seguso Bubble Glass 3-Pendant Chandelier for ArteluceBy Gino Sarfatti, Arteluce, Archimede SegusoLocated in Glendale, CA1960s Gino Sarfatti Seguso Bubble Glass 3-Pendant Chandelier for Arteluce. Executed in 3 hand blown bubbled Seguso glass pendants with brass and bl...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal