“Tau” pendant lamp for Artemide Sergio Mazza & Artemide

About the Item

This pendant lamp was designed by Sergio Mazza in 1960 and produced by Artemide, the company that he had founded together with Ernesto Gismondi in 1959. This lamp, known as "Tau", was one of the earliest designs of the company, as it was presented in 1960 to the XII Milan Triennale. The lamp has a distinctive appearance, given by the combination of a black lacquered aluminum shade with a pressed, striped glass diffuser, jointed by a nickel-plated brass ring. The lamps hangs from a metal wire, for a maxiumum drop of 90 cm. The drop can be easily shortened to fit your needs. This lamp remains in very good vintage conditions, with minimal wear to the original paint, patina and oxidation on the nickel-plated parts and an intact glass. Period wiring in working conditions, no longer fitting current standards. For any additional information, detail phots or videos please feel free to contact us, we are always happy to help and guide you through your choice. Please don't forget to have a look at our full inventory, where you'll find more XX Century Italian design gems.

Creator:
Artemide (Manufacturer),Sergio Mazza (Designer)
Design:
Tau Pendant
Dimensions:
Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)Diameter: 16.54 in (42 cm)
Power Source:
Hardwired
Voltage:
220-240v
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Aluminum,Brass,Plated,Varnished
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1960-1969
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. This lamp remains in very good vintage conditions, with minimal wear to the original paint, patina and oxidation on the nickel-plated parts and an intact glass. Period wiring in working conditions, no longer fitting current standards.
Seller Location:
Koper, SI
Reference Number:
Seller: 77981stDibs: LU8892238132802
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Artemide

Artemide is an iconic firm in the design world. The mid-century Italian company is one of the best known lighting manufacturers and its award-winning fixtures are held in museum collections everywhere. Vintage Artemide table lamps, pendants, ceiling lamps and other lighting represent a thoughtful merge between functionalism and eye-catching design.

Artemide, which is based in Pregnana, was founded by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza in 1959. During that year, Mazza created the first table lamp for the manufacturer — a modernist work in glass, marble and metal that he called the Alfa. Gismondi, who studied aeronautical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and missile engineering at Rome’s Professional School of Engineering, applied his knowledge of cutting edge technology and materials such as fiberglass resin to Artemide’s designs for lighting and furniture.

In 1967, Artemide won Italy’s Compasso d'Oro design award for its Eclisse table lamp, which was designed by Vico Magistretti two years earlier. Other award-winning fixtures include the Tizio table lamp designed by Richard Sapper and the Tolomeo table lamp.

Designed by Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, the Tolomeo featured the patented George Carwardine mechanism used in the original Anglepoise lamp. De Lucchi would later be recruited to join visionary postmodern design collective the Memphis Group. Artemide’s Gismondi purchased the brand after founder Ettore Sottsass dismantled the collective in 1988, and it was bought by Alberto Bianchi Albrici in 1996.

Artemide’s list of design, innovation, sustainability and other industry awards is long and distinguished. The firm continues to actively collaborate with internationally revered designers and seek out new talent through workshops with design schools. The company’s deeply held values — energy-saving lighting, sustainable design and ethically sourced materials — characterize its current offerings, and Artemide furniture and lighting can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and other institutions.

On 1stDibs, find Artemide tables, seating, floor lamps, chandeliers and more.