Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Italian
Milanese industrial designer-architects Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1918–2002; 1913-68) created some of the most iconic furniture designs in the world, particularly those that originated in the realm of mid-century modern lighting.
In the late 1930s, after graduating from the acclaimed Polytechnic University of Milan, Pier Giacomo opened a design studio with his brother Livio and likeminded architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni. Achille, also a graduate of Milan Polytechnic, joined the group after completing his studies in 1944. The era’s architects were encountering difficulty in their attempts to secure building commissions, so the group focused on designing practical everyday objects such as the Model 547, a tabletop radio for Phonola that was encased in Bakelite.
The Castiglioni brothers produced wildly popular and innovative designs throughout the 20th century. While Livio departed the practice in 1952 to pursue lighting design and sound technology on his own, Pier Giacomo and Achille would continue to collaborate on a wealth of projects in the ensuing years.
Vintage furniture collectors may be familiar with Livio and Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini’s serpent-like Boalum lamp, while Achille’s Taraxacum hanging lamp — created for FLOS with sprayed plastic polymers originally intended for military use — as well as the Arco, Snoopy and Toio lamps, which were the result of the collaboration between Pier Giacomo and Achille, are milestones in modernist lighting design.
Also for FLOS, Pier Giacomo and Achille created a series of metal frames that, wrapped in the polymer, became floor lamps (Gatto) or pendant lights (Viscontea and Taraxacum), all released in 1960. The Gatto floor lamp takes its name from the Italian word for “cat” and the inspiration for its aesthetic from lighting that George Nelson developed for legendary American furniture manufacturer Howard Miller during the 1940s. Around the same time, the designer Tobia Scarpa (son of the famed Italian architect Carlo Scarpa and one-half of the widely revered postmodern husband-and-wife design duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa) created a floor lamp called Fantasma (1961) using the polymers technique. FLOS continues to make the Castiglionis’ innovative pieces today.
In addition to their provocative lighting works, Pier Giacomo and Achille also created stereo systems, decorative objects, seating, tables and other items for the likes of Brionvega, Alessi, Zanotta, Kartell and more.
Find vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni floor lamps, table lamps, pendants, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Midcentury Beige Losange Cocoon Pendant Light by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular mid-century losange shaped cocoon pendant with stunning beige even patina. This unique chandelier was designed by Achille Castiglioni in Italy in the 1960s.
In amazing ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Beige "Palm" Cocoon Table Lamp by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century palm cocoon table lamp in spectacular conditions, with no rips or stains. This incredibly charming and rare lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produce...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal, Steel
Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige Round "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century "cocoon" pendant with a gorgeous beige even patina. This charming cocoon lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni in Italy in the 1960s.
In spectacular conditi...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal, Steel
Mid-Century Large Veined Beige Cocoon Pendant by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and incredibly rare large mid-century round veined "Cocoon" chandelier designed by Achille Castilglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960s.
In fabulous condition and f...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal, Steel
Large Cocoon Ball Pendant by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large Mid-Century Modern Cocoon ball pendant lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, designed and manufactured in Italy during the 1960s. With a single bulb holder for a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Castiglioni Large Viscontea Style Cocoon Italian Pendant Light
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous large "Viscontea" style cocoon pendant in fabulous conditions. This charming chandelier was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced Italy.
In pristin...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal, Steel
Large Midcentury Pendant Cocoon Designed by Achille Castiglioni, Italy, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Praha, CZ
- extremely rare type
- large
- very nice style of lighting
- defects photographed
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige "Cocoon" Round Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century "cocoon" pendant with a marvelous dark beige even patina. This gorgeous cocoon ceiling lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni in Italy in the 1960s.
This coco...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal, Steel
1962 Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos Arco Floor Lamp, Mid-century
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Miami, FL
1962 Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos Arco Floor Lamp, Mid-century
Offered for sale is an original iconic 1962 Mid-century Modern Flos Ar...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Large Taraxacum ceiling lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos 1960
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Large Taraxacum 2 ceiling lamp designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960.
Internal structure in white painted steel, sprayed with special resin cocoon, first pr...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
'Light Ball' Ceiling Lamp by A. Castiglioni & P. Giacomo for Flos, 1960s, Italy
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model 'Light Ball' small size Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo for Flos, 1960s, Italy
Quantity : 7 available
Minimal design
Very high quality.
Fully funct...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Brass
Castiglioni Large Chrome "Light Ball" Wall or Ceiling Lamp, Flos, Italy 1960s
By Arteluce, Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century "Light Ball' sconce or ceiling lamp in chrome designed by Achille Castiglioni for Flos in Italy during the 1960s.
This is the largest versions of the light ba...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Iconic "Taccia" Table Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos, Achille Castiglioni, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Bagnolo Mella, Brescia
An iconic piece of Italian design, this Taccia table lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos. It has been gently displayed only in a showroom window for a short period,...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Achille Castiglioni Grey "Noce" Wall, Ceiling or Table Lamp by Flos, Italy 1960s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic midcentury "Noce" wall, ceiling or even floor/table lamp in painted die-cast grey aluminum, and opaline glass. This stylish lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and pro...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Taraxacum lamp, Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni, Flos, 1970 circa
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This iconic Cocoon Taraxacum pendant lamp was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos Italia in the 1960s. It features a steel inner structure with an E27 socket an...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Rubber
Castiglioni Midcentury Blue Metal "Light Ball" Italian Sconce for Flos, 1970s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury "Light Ball' sconce in royal blue metal and opaline glass. This fantastic item was designed by Achille Castiglioni and manufactured in Italy by Flos during the 197...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Viscontea pendant lamp by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni, Flos 1960
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Renens, CH
Viscontea pendant lamp by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni, Flos 1960
The Viscontea is the result of Castiglioni's experiments with cocoon resin in the sixties which led also to ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Resin
Taraxacum hanging lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Metal and resin suspension lamp designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in the 1960s. Model: Taraxacum. Maximum height with cable: 90 cm. Wear due to time and age of the lamp....
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Large White Light Ball Wall or Ceiling Lamps by Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 1960
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century "Light Ball' sconces or ceiling lamps in white enameled metal and opaline glass designed by Achille Castiglioni for Flos in Italy during the 1960s. The lamps are...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
'Taraxacum' Pendant by Achille & Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Taraxacum' Pendant by Achille & Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960. Incredible and timeless resin cast fiber pendant with pointed protrusio...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Natural Fiber, Resin
KD7 Orange Pendant Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Kartell, Italy
By Kartell, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Milano, IT
The Kartell KD7 stands as a rare and contemporary classic, embodying the timeless brilliance of 1950s/1960s Italian design. Crafted by Kartell, this extraordinary pendant lamp featur...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Vintage Pier Giacomo Achille Castiglioni - Flos 'Arco' Marble & Steel Floor Lamp
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Carrera marble base has very slight, barely noticeable yellowing. Telescoping arm shows signs of light oxidation, but operates well. The polished and coated/sealed aluminum shade shows light scuffs and scratches. Wiring is original. Lamp works as it should. In very good shape for being ~70 years old.
This lamp is not signed. I'm guessing the manufacturer's sticker label dried out and fell off. Typically, the labels were adhered to the ceramic bulb socket, which would heat up and dry out the glue. Also notice the small hole perforated diffuser, on which the polished aluminum shade rests and pivots, is unusual. Many lamps have the larger holes found on the more recently made examples. The small holes diffuser is found on the vintage Flos Arco...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Carrara Marble, Steel
FLOS Taccia Small Table Lamp in Black by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Castiglioni brothers often created designs that challenged our perspective, and the Taccia, which gives the illusion of an upside-down hanging lamp, is an inspired example of tha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
FLOS Snoopy Table Lamp in Black by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The playful personas of the Castiglioni brothers are evident in their Snoopy design, named for the beloved cartoon character and featuring a distinctive, light-hearted shape. The ori...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Marble, Steel
Cocoon Hanging Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in bruxelles, BE
Resin and metal Hanging lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos in 1960s. Maximum height with cable: 77 cm. Good condition. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST U...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Castiglioni Arco Modern Arch Stainless Steel & Marble Floor Lamp, FLOS, in stock
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS Arco Floor Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
This lamp is ready for its close-up: Featured in Hollywood classics including diamonds...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Marble, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
FLOS Snoopy Table Lamp in Green by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The masterful table lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni gets a dazzling makeover.
Collectors now have a new reason to cherish the Snoopy table lamp by Achille and Pier Gi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Marble, Steel
Castiglioni Arco Modern Arch Stainless Steel & Marble Floor Lamp, FLOS, in stock
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS Arco LED Floor Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
This lamp is ready for its close-up: Featured in Hollywood classics including diamonds are Fo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Marble, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
FLOS Viscontea Pendant Light by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The cocoon-like structure suggests transformation, and here it is the gorgeously glowing diffused light that recreates the ambiance of any room the Viscontea is featured in. The inte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Plastic
FLOS Taraxacum 2 Pendant Light by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make a wish: Named after the humble Dandelion, the Taraxacum pendant light astonishes with a gorgeously diffused blooming light. The white powd...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Steel
FLOS Limited Edition Toio Lamp in Black
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 2019, FLOS USA introduces a limited-edition matte-black version of the global design icon, Toio designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for FLOS i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
FLOS Toio Floor Lamp in Black by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Its designers named it for the English word for “toy,” for good reason: This inventive lamp inspires the imagination, blending an industrial style with a timeless and whimsical desig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
Achille & Pier Castiglioni 'Sputnik' Brass Chandelier in Multicolor for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Glendale, CA
Achille & Pier Castiglioni 'Sputnik' brass chandelier in multicolor for Stilnovo
Founded in 1946 in Milan, Stilnovo was one of the most innovative lighting companies in Italy during...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Brass, Steel
Splugen Lamp by A. & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos (8 Available)
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of eight aluminum pendant lamps by the brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, Splügen Bräu model, 1960s.
This model was designed in 1961 and its name was dedicat...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Petite 1960s Castiglioni 'Light Ball' Wall/Ceiling Lamp for Flos
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Glendale, CA
Petite Orange 1960s Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 'Light Ball' Wall / Ceiling Lamp for Flos.
Designed in 1965, this rare and vintage orange variant comes with satin opaque g...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
FLOS Taccia Led Lamp in Bronze by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Castiglioni brothers often created designs that challenged our perspective, and the Taccia, which gives the illusion of an upside-down hanging lamp, is an inspired example of tha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
FLOS Toio Floor Lamp in Red by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Its designers named it for the English word for “toy,” for good reason: This inventive lamp inspires the imagination, blending an industrial style with a timeless and whimsical desig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair of Large Gatto Beige Cocoon Table Lamps by Castiglioni for Flos Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of first edition Gatto cocoon table lamps designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced by Flos in Italy in the 1960s. The lamps are signed on the insid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel, Metal
FLOS Gatto Piccolo Table Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a shape that invokes the magical, festive spirit of a hot air balloon, and this creation by the Castiglioni brothers creates an air of whimsy. Named for a “little cat,” it sits ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Steel
FLOS Splugen Brau Pendant Light by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Invoking the busy, bustling energy of a beehive, the Splügen Braü—a creation by the famed Castiglioni brothers—feels both charming and decidedly powerful....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Black Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Snoopy Table Lamp
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Snoopy table lamp. Dimmer operated lamp from 1967, with marble base and enameled metal shade. Up to 150 watts E27...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Marble, Metal
"Viscontea" Suspenion Lamps Achille & P. G. Castiglioni, Flos (First Edition)
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Argelato, BO
First edition Viscontea suspension light by Achille & Pier Castiglioni for Flos. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960's.
This chandelier, made in the 1960s, is one of the ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
FLOS Gatto Table Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Named for a “little cat,” this Castiglioni brothers creation sits softly on any table, offering a glowing diffused light. The lamp is done in the famous “cocoon” style that the duo w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Steel
Castiglioni Midcentury Metal "Light Ball" Italian Sconce for Flos, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible mid-century "Light Ball large size" applique in smatised ivory metal and opal glass for Flos. This fantastic lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy for Flos in the 1960s.
This fantastic light is unique because of the materials, made of ivory white enameled metal and opal glass.
Requires an E27 bulb.
A fantastic piece that will grace a mid-century living room or bathroom.
Measures (cms):
diameter - 42
height - 31
Literature: Casa Amica, 27 June 1972, p. 105 Octagon 30 September 1973, p. 149 Sergio Polano, Achille Castiglioni all the works, Electa, Milano, 2001, p. 224 Giuliana Gramigna, repertoire 1950-2000, Allemandi, Torino, 2003, p. 121.
The beginnings of Flos (meaning “flower” in Latin) blossomed from a brilliant idea: to create objects, starting with a light bulb, that would change the way of life for both the Italian market and the foreign markets.
Dino Gavina and the small Eisenkeil manufacturing facility in Merano, had already been creating furniture alongside design masters such as Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Afra and Tobia Scarpa. But by the early 1960s, Gavina became convinced the time had come to create new lamps.
Using the same technology – conceived in the USA and tested at Eisenkeil – used for the Cocoon lampthe Castiglioni brothers and the Scarpa duo began creating lamps such as the Taraxacum or the Fantasma, with many other beautiful and surprising lamps to follow.
And so, from day one, Flos was already reinventing the idea of artificial lighting.
Achille Castiglioni (born February 16, 1918, Milan–died December 2, 2002, Milan) was a prolific furniture, lighting, and product Italian designer renown for his ironic, joyful, creative and functional designs that, at times, intersected with ideas explored by conceptual artists.
Achille Castiglioni was born into a family with deep appreciation for the arts, as he was the third son of sculptor and coin engraver Giannino Castiglioni and his wife Livia Bolla. He first studied the classics at the Liceo Classico Giuseppe Parini, but then switched to study art at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan. In 1937, he decided to follow the steps of his two elder brothers, architects Livio and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, by enrolling in the Faculty of Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, graduating in 1944–after having to interrupt his studies when he was stationed in Greece and Sicily during World War II.
In 1944, immediately after graduating, Achille Castiglioni joined his brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo in the design studio that they had founded with Livio’s classmate Luigi Caccia Dominioni in 1937 in Milan. Fortunately for Achille, from the very beginning Livio and Pier Giacomo decided to focus almost entirely on designing exhibitions, furniture, housewares, and appliances since architectural commissions were difficult to come by during the war. This product-design focus, and the deep fraternal bound among the three brothers, would later allow the young Achille to experiment early in his career with emerging techniques and new materials that could communicate a fresh aesthetic sensibility suited for the positive outlook of the post-war European market.
The Castiglioni brothers’ important collaboration with Phonola and Brionvega
In 1940, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Livio Castiglioni, and Luigi Caccia Dominioni, in collaboration withe the Phonola company, presented in the VII Triennale di Milano (Milan Triennial), titled Exhibition of the Radio, a research study of radio devices that included the Fimi Phonola 547 radio, the first radio encased in Bakelite instead of wood. Shortly after the exhibition, Luigi Caccia Dominioni suspended his professional activity to serve in the military during World War II and left the studio.
The development of the FImi Phonola 547 radio would prove fruitful for the three brothers, as it allowed Livio Castiglioni to cement his role as the leading design consultant for Phonola from 1940 until 1960, and for Brionvega, from 1960 until 1964. These relationships brought in further collaboration among the three brothers, and would eventually result in several designs for radio and sound appliances with innovative materials and shapes for which Achille Castiglioni played a key role, such as the RR 226 stereo system for Brinovega (1965), the radio phonograph...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
FLOS Taccia Small Table Lamp in Bronze by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Castiglioni brothers often created designs that challenged our perspective, and the Taccia, which gives the illusion of an upside-down hanging lamp, is an inspired example of tha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Table Lamp "Gatto" by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in bruxelles, BE
Table lamp designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni . Large Model Gatto. Stamped Flos inside. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE B...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Italian Arco Floor Lamp Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni for Flos
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
The Arco lamp is a modern overhead lamp designed by brothers Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni for Flos, Italy.
The lamp is characterized by a suspended spun aluminum pendant att...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Carrara Marble, Stainless Steel
Large Gatto Beige Cocoon Table Lamps by Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent first edition large Gatto cocoon table lamps designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced by Flos in Italy during the 1960s. The lamps are signed inside....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
FLOS Taraxacum 1 Pendant Light by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make a wish: Named after the humble Dandelion, the Taraxacum pendant light astonishes with a gorgeously diffused blooming light. The white powder coated internal steel structure is s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Steel
Taraxacum hanging lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Metal and resin suspension lamp designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in the 1960s. Model: Taraxacum Maximum height with cable: 100 cm. Wear due to time and age of the lamp....
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Italian mid-century modern Floor lamp Arco by Castiglioni brothers Flos, 1960s
By Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos, Achille Castiglioni, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern iconic floor lamp Arco by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
Floor lamp mod. Arco wit direct light, with adjustable and height-adjustable ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Marble, Metal, Steel
Italian Midcentury Pendant Light by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, 1965
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful pendant lamp called "black and white 83" of the Italian mid-century with opal white glass bowl and aluminum diffusor.
Made in Italy, designed in 1965 by Achille and Pier G...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Suspension chandelier inspired by cocoon xx century
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Palermo, IT
1970s Resin Cocoon Chandelier
The object presented is an emblematic example of mid-century Italian design, particularly the production of lamps made of resin, an innovative material ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Brass, Iron
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos Cocoon Pendant Light
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni are renowned Italian designers known for their innovative and functional designs, particularly in lighting. One of their standout creations is th...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Italian 'Taraxacum' Cocoon Pendant by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Chicago, IL
A Taraxacum cocoon pendant light designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the 1960s. This captivating fixture features an enameled steel frame and a “cocoon” spraye...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
'Teli' Pendant light by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in TOURS, FR
'Teli' Pendant light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos
Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1970s
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Metal
Taraxacum by Achille and Pier Giancomo Castiglioni for Flos, c. 1960
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic hanging lamp designed by the Castiglioni brothers for Flos in the mid 20th century. This light is inspired by dandelions and made by spraying cocoon resin over a powder coated...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Steel
FLOS Snoopy Table Lamp in Orange by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The masterful Orange table lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni gets a dazzling makeover.
Collectors now have a new reason to cherish the Snoopy table lamp by Achille an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Lighting
Materials
Marble, Steel
Achille And Pier Giacomo Castiglioni lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni lighting, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 106 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 38 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original lighting by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Sergio Mazza, Achille Castiglioni, and Martinelli Luce. Prices for Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $431 and can go as high as $13,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,200.
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