German designer Ingo Maurer (1932–2019) was known as a “poet of light” for how he artfully created table lamps and floor lamps that married form and function, from bulbs that soared on goose-feather wings to chandeliers that suspended bursts of shattered tableware like a slow-motion explosion.
One of Maurer's first lamps, a 1966 design that was merely called Bulb, nested a lightbulb inside a larger glass lightbulb shape, drawing on his connection to German art traditions of reductive forms as well as Pop art and the playful aesthetics of 1960s pop culture. The success of Bulb — its fans included American design icon Charles Eames — led to the founding of his own company to produce this provocative fixture as well as other fantastic lighting designs. Later, for Maurer’s bestselling Uchiwa lamps of the 1970s, the designer found inspiration in Japanese fans made of bamboo and lacquered rice paper.
Born on the island of Reichenau in Lake Constance in southern Germany, Maurer apprenticed at a newspaper before moving to the United States in 1960. In New York and California, Maurer initially worked as a graphic designer for IBM and elsewhere before returning to Germany with his then-wife, designer Dorothee Becker, in 1963. The experience that Maurer gained in typography and bold forms was regularly expressed in the lamps crafted by his company, which was called Design M before the name was changed to Ingo Maurer GmbH. The lighting manufacturer is still based in Munich.
Some of Maurer’s pieces were minimal, such as a ceramic table lamp in 1996 he called Broken Egg, which radiated light from a fissure in an oblong shape, while others were monumental, such as the designer’s last completed installation — a colossal chandelier composed of over 3,000 silver-plated leaves — in Munich’s Residenztheater. Maurer was always at the forefront of lighting innovations, exploring holograms, LEDs and OLEDs in his projects. Through his company, the venturesome Maurer also promoted inventive new designers, including Moritz Waldemeyer, whose My New Flame (2012) imagined a futuristic candle with LEDs.
Ingo Maurer GmbH continues to produce the late designer’s distinctive table lamps, chandeliers and other fixtures, including the imaginative Bulb that started it all.
Find vintage Ingo Maurer Uchiwa lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Pair of original 1960s Space Age wall lamps by Ingo Maurer, model Pox
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in München, BY
Pair of original 1960s Space Age wall lamps by Ingo Maurer, model Pox. Manufactured by M-Design. Made in Germany. Chrome-plated metal frame. Polished aluminum shades. Height adjusta...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
$117,549Sale Price / set|35% Off
"Hana I" and " Hana II" Uchiwa Pendant Lights by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Pair of rare "Hana I" and "Hana II" chandeliers from then Uchiwa series by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 6 rice paper fans. The chandeliers can ...
Cotton, Bamboo, Paper
Ingo Maurer Uchiwa Rice Paper and Bamboo Wall Light
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Chicago, IL
The Uchiwa II wall lamp by Ingo Maurer is an elegant example of 1970s design, with a structure that combines natural materials and modernity. The metal and bamboo are harmoniously co...
Bamboo, Paper
Pair of Tiffany Table Lamps by Ingo Maurer & Val St. Lambert 1969
By Val Saint Lambert, Ingo Maurer
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant pair of Tiffany table lamps designed in 1969 by Ingo Maurer in collaboration with Val St. Lambert, the renowned Belgian crystal manufacturer. These lamps feature beautifully ...
Glass
1 of 3 Mid-Century Modern German Giant Bulb by Ingo Maurer 1960s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Aachen, NRW
An iconic “Bulb” table lamp designed by the renowned lighting designer Ingo Maurer in the 1960s for Design M, Germany. This striking piece is one of Maurer’s earliest and most celebr...
Chrome
Set of 2 " Uchiwa" wall lamps USA 1977
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Ingo Maurer in the 1970s and commercialized in 1977, the “Uchiwa” wall lamps reflect the designer’s pursuit of a softer, warmer light. As he told The New York Times in 19...
Bamboo
$11,445 / item
Rare Uchiwa II Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer, circa 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Pair of rare table lamps by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo, rice paper fan and black lacquered iron. Socket: 1 x E27 or E26 (US) for standard screw bul...
Iron
'Knitterling' Japanese Washi Paper Pendant Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Knitterling' Japanese Washi Paper Pendant Lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting i...
Steel
Extremely Rare Red "Shichi" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
An ultra rare Uchiwa "Shichi" pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and rice paper in original red color! Socket: 1 x E27 or E26 or standard s...
Bamboo, Paper
'Maru' Japanese Washi Paper Pendant Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Maru' Japanese Washi Paper Pendant Lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons si...
Steel
1 'of 2' 1967 Germany Ingo Maurer 'Pollux' Wall Sconce & Table Lamp
By Design M, Ingo Maurer
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant minimalist adjustable chromed wall sconce and table lamp. Model 'Pollux' designed 1967 by Ingo Maurer, the 'Poet of Light' and executed by his own company, M. Design, Munich ...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage Uchiwa Ingo Maurer Wall Lamp for M Design Germany 1970 s
By Ingo Maurer, Design M
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Uchiwa wall lamp were handcrafted from bamboo, wicker and Japanese rice paper. Ingo Maurer's interest in paper for lampshade was linked to his interest in Japan. From 1973 to 1975, h...
Bamboo, Paper
Small 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting i...
Metal, Iron
'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons s...
Metal, Iron
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi Paper & Stainless Steel Table Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Dagmar, Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi paper & stainless steel table lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed by Dagmar Mombach and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the ...
Stainless Steel
Rare "Ju-Yon" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare Uchiwa pendant lamp mod. "Ju-Yon" by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 14 rice paper fans. Can be vertically extended and dismantled. Diameter: ...
Bamboo, Paper
Rare "Hana II" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare Uchiwa pendant lamp mod. "Hana II" by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 6 rice paper fans. Can be vertically extended an...
Bamboo, Paper
Large 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting i...
Metal, Iron
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi Paper & Stainless Steel Floor Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Dagmar, Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi paper & stainless steel floor lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed by Dagmar Mombach and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the mos...
Stainless Steel
Large Tricena space age lamp by Ingo Maurer for M design, Germany 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in ECHT, NL
Largest version of the iconic space age Tricena pendant lamp. Designed by Ingo Maurer and produced by M design in the 1970s. Ingo Maurer (12 May 1932 – 21 October 2019) was a German...
Metal, Chrome
'Wo-Tum-Bu 1' Japanese Paper & Hand Poured Concrete Floor Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Wo-Tum-Bu 1' Japanese paper & hand poured concrete floor lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966....
Concrete, Stainless Steel
Wall Lamp "Uchiwa" by Ingo Maurer for M-Design, Germany, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Vienna, AT
Iconic Uchiwa wall lamp designed by Ingo Maurer in the 1970s for M-Design, Germany. Crafted from rice paper and bamboo, this sculptural light is inspired by traditional Japanese fan...
Bamboo, Paper
Alex Schmid '1000 Karat Blau' Gold Leaf Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alex Schmid '1000 Karat Blau' gold leaf suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed by Alex Schmid and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most cele...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Rare “Watapunga” table lamp by Ingo Maurer & Dagmar Mombach, 1998
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare “Watapunga” table lamp by Ingo Maurer & Dagmar Mombach, 1998 This exceptional Watapunga table lamp, designed in 1998 by Ingo Maurer in collaboration with Dagmar Mombach, is...
Metal, Aluminum
Uchiwa Wall Lights by Ingo Maurer for M Design, Germany, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in amstelveen, NL
A pair of Uchiwa III wall lights by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Inspired by traditional Japanese fans. Crafted from bamboo and natural fan material with a warm lacque...
Bamboo, Paper
Ingo Maurer Table Lamp in Cork for Design M, 1970s, Germany, 73.5cm
By Ingo Maurer, Design M
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Table Lamp in Cork by Ingo Maurer for Design M Designer Ingo Maurer (1932-2019) Brand M-Design, Germany Era 1970s Material wood, cork, metal High 73,5 cm Diameter 60 cm Condit...
Metal
Beautiful Uchiwa Chandelier by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Echt, NL
Rare Uchiwa chandelier in very good condition. Designed by Ingo Maurer for M design, Germany. Two available! This chandelier is handmade from bamboo and Japanese rice paper. T...
Bamboo, Rope, Paper
Large hexagonal cork table lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, 1974
By Ingo Maurer
Located in amstelveen, NL
Large hexagonal cork table lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, 1974. This sculptural table lamp is constructed from thin cork veneer panels, forming a faceted hexagonal base ...
Cork
Rare Large Uchiwa "Yotsuba I" Chandelier by Ingo Maurer for Design M
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
An extremely rare, large and iconic “Yotsuba I” chandelier by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973. This sculptural piece is crafted from hand-woven bamboo rice paper fans arranged in an overl...
Iron
Pair of Large Organic Uchiwa Wall Sconces by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Pair of Large Organic Uchiwa Wall Sconces by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973 Two pieces of big vintage organic Uchiwa fan lamps with metal holder for wall hanging. Designed from Ingo Mau...
Bamboo, Paper
Zettel'z 5 pendant paper lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in New York, NY
The Zettel’z 5 pendant lamp, designed by Ingo Maurer, is one of the brand’s most iconic lighting pieces. This contemporary pendant light combines art, design, and functionality, offe...
Stainless Steel
Floatation Ø 47 inches pendant paper lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in New York, NY
Floatation is a designer pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer, crafted with handmade Japanese paper and designed to diffuse a soft, warm light. The lightweight circular elements are suspended...
Paper
Poul Poul paper table lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in New York, NY
Poul Poul LED is part of the MaMo Nouchies collection, developed by Dagmar Mombach in collaboration with Ingo Maurer and his team. As with all MaMo Nouchies designs, the lampshade is...
Steel
Floor Lamp “Uchiwa” by Ingo Maurer for Design M Germany, 1977
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Rijssen, NL
This floor lamp is inspired by the traditional Japanese Uchiwa fans. Designed by the world famous designer Ingo Maurer. Ingo Maurer first came across fans in a Paris shop in 1972 whi...
Steel
Floatation Ø 39 inches pendant paper lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in New York, NY
Floatation is a designer pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer, crafted with handmade Japanese paper and designed to diffuse a soft, warm light. The lightweight circular elements are suspended...
Paper
Mid-century Chrome Table Lamp 'Gulp' by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, 1960s
By Ingo Maurer, Ettore Sottsass, Design M, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Malmö, SE
An iconic minimalistic mid-century tube table lamp made of chromed steel, with adjustable lampshade. It's called 'Gulp' and was designed by Ingo Maurer for his company Design M, Ge...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Rare Large "Hana I" "Uchiwa" Chandelier by Ingo Maurer for Deisgn M, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
Rare and large "Hana I" chandelier from the Uchiwa series by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, 1970s. Executed in bamboo and 6 large rice paper fans. Can be vertically extended and ...
Cotton, Bamboo, Paper
1967 Germany Ingo Maurer 'Pollux' Wall Sconce & Table Lamp, Set of 2
By Ingo Maurer, Design M
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant pair of minimalist adjustable chromed wall sconces and table lamps. Model 'Pollux' designed 1967 by Ingo Maurer, the 'Poet of Light' and executed by his own company, M. Desig...
Brass, Chrome
Rare Large Uchiwa "Yotsuba I" Wall or Ceiling Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
An extremely rare, large and iconic “Yotsuba I” lamp by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973. This sculptural piece is crafted from hand-woven bamboo rice paper fans arranged in an overlapping...
Iron
Rare "Niju-Ichi" Uchiwa Chandelier by Ingo Maurer for Deisgn M, Germany, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
Rare "Niju-Ichi" chandelier from the Uchiwa series by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, 1970s. Executed in bamboo and 21 rice paper fans.Height adjustable by suspension from 3 thong...
Cotton, Bamboo, Paper
Yoruba Rose Japanese paper table lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in New York, NY
Yoruba Rose is part of the MaMo Nouchies collection, developed by Dagmar Mombach in collaboration with Ingo Maurer and his team. Like all MaMo Nouchies designs, the lampshade is made...
Steel
Pair of Table Lamps Gold Brass and Bamboo Shade by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1968
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of Elegant gold brass bamboo table lamps Model designed by Ingo Maurer, 1968 for Design M Munich, Germany. With new bamboo custom made lamp shades with Bronze inner shade. Made ...
Gold Plate, Brass
"Uchiwa" Ju-Ku ceiling pendant lamp - Ingo Maurer M Design Exceptional as new !
By Ingo Maurer
Located in London, GB
Voltage 110 v 220 v An original Uchiwa JU-KU in the same family for the last 50Years
Bamboo
One for the Recession Wall Lamp by Ingo Maurer, 1985
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare Ingo Maurer 1985 wall lamp one for the Recession in great vintage condition as can be seen in the images. This beautiful heart will be shipp...
Metal
Lampampe table paper lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in New York, NY
The Lampampe table lamp by Ingo Maurer is part of his collection of Japanese paper lamps, designed to create atmosphere and emotion through light. ...
Paper
Spare Set of 5 Original Fans for Uchiwa Pendant Lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Temde Leuchten, Ib Fabiansen, Fog and Morup, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Ingo Maurer
Located in München, DE
Set consisting of 5 original compartments for Uchiwa pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer. One fan is very well preserved. All compartments are beautiful fr...
Bamboo
Mid-Century Modern Ingo Maurer Table Lamp Glass & Chrome, Design M, Germany 1960
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Ingo Maurer Table Lamp, Glass & Chrome, Design M, Germany, 1960s A stunning and rare table lamp designed by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, in the 1960s. This ...
Chrome
Suspension lamp Ingo Maurer Floatation – Version 3 - 75 cm (29.53 in)
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Model: Floatation – Version 3 Designer: Ingo Maurer (1980) Floatation is a delicate pendant lamp made of Japanese paper and metal. The red iron ring allows height adjustment, and th...
Metal
$1,038 / item
Table lamp Ingo Maurer Lampampe
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Lampampe, designed by Ingo Maurer in 1980 for Ingo Maurer, is part of a series of poetic paper lamps developed during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Inspired by traditional Jap...
Metal
German Glass and Faux Cork Floor or Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer for M Design, 60s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Hamburg, DE
Very rare table or standing lamp of the well-known luminous designer Ingo Maurer from the late 1960s. A classic design of impressive size. The angular shape of the umbrella is strik...
Metal
Suspension lamp Ingo Maurer Floatation – Version 2 - 100 cm (39.37 in)
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Model: Floatation – Version 2 Designer: Ingo Maurer (1980) Floatation is a delicate pendant lamp made of Japanese paper and metal. The red iron ring allows height adjustment, and th...
Metal
Paire de lampes design modèle Spring par Ingo Maurer XXème
By Ingo Maurer
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Paire de lampes design modèle Spring par Ingo Maurer XXème La Spring, souvent appelée lampe « ressort », est une création de table conçue dans les années 1970–1980 par Ingo Maurer p...
Steel
Uchiwa Hana II Chandelier By Ingo Maurer For Design M 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, Design M
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
This extremely rare, exquisite pendant lamp, is a part of Ingo Maurer’s Uchiwa series, designed for Design M in 1974, which embodies the dynamic and innovating essence of 1970s desig...
Bamboo
$314 / item
Wall lamp Ingo Maurer Delight
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Model: Delight Designer: Frans van Nieuwenborg, Martijn Wegman (1980) Delight by Ingo Maurer is a heat-resistant fiberglass fabric illuminated by a bulb. Ingo Maurer’s sense of humo...
Fabric
Bernhard Dessecker, Swingading Floor Lamp, Ingo Maurer / Design M, Germany, 1993
By Susanne and Bernhard Dessecker, Ingo Maurer
Located in Krefeld, DE
Bernhard Dessecker Swingading floor lamp, designed 1993, produced by Ingo Maurer / Design M, Munich. Metal, plastic, and glass. The upper section of the flexible stem can be fixed in...
Metal
Mid-Century German Tiffany Glass Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer, 1960s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Hamburg, DE
An early design by the well-known light designer Ingo Maurer from the late 1960s. An elegant and classic design. The foot is carried out in clear glass and richly ornamented. The um...
Metal
$27,012Sale Price / item|20% Off
Beautiful Uchiwa ‘Ju Yon’ Chandelier by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Echt, NL
Rare two-tier Uchiwa Ju-Yon chandelier in very good condition. Designed by Ingo Maurer for M design, Germany. Two available! This chandelier is handmade from bamboo and Japanese...
Bamboo, Paper, Rope
'Birdie' Pendant Lamp in Goose Feather Wings and Clear Wiring for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Birdie' pendant lamp in goose feather wings and clear wiring for Ingo Maurer Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German li...
Copper, Tin
Rare Cork and Row Silk Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare early cork table lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in cork and raw silk shades. Socket: 2 x E27 or E26 (US) for standard screw bulbs. Max. 75 Wattage pe...
Cork, Silk
Pair of Floor Lamps Gold Brass and Bamoboo Shade by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1968
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of elegant gold brass wooden floor lamps Model designed by Ingo Maurer, 1968 for Design M Munich, Germany. With new wood custom made lamp shades with Bronze inner shade. Made by...
Gold Plate, Brass