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Italian Stilnovo Style Counterweight Desk Lamp, Liguria, 1950s

$2,696.76
£1,958
€2,308.15
CA$3,715.37
A$4,130.85
CHF 2,175.14
MX$50,119.59
NOK 27,538.35
SEK 25,741.65
DKK 17,224.74

About the Item

Italian Stilnovo Style Counterweight Desk Lamp, 1950s A striking mid-century Italian desk lamp in the manner of Stilnovo, dating to the 1950s. This sculptural counterweight design features a minimalist brass rod structure, elegantly balanced with a spherical brass weight and finished with a red lacquered aluminium shade. Design & Details • Origin: Italy, sourced from the Liguria region on the Italian Riviera, Northern Italy • Period: 1950s • Style: Mid-Century Modern, Stilnovo style • Materials: Brass, lacquered aluminium • Finish: Original patinated brass with light surface wear consistent with age; red lacquered shade retains strong colour with minimal signs of wear. The adjustable cantilevered arm allows the shade to be positioned with precision, making this lamp both highly functional and visually dynamic. Its sculptural counterweight design is so versatile that some collectors and designers have even adapted it for use as a floor lamp, extending its presence as a striking architectural feature within a space. The spherical counterweight not only stabilises the lamp but also acts as a sculptural focal point, celebrating Italian design’s blend of engineering and artistry. Why We Love It This piece embodies the refined industrial aesthetic pioneered by Stilnovo and Italian mid-century lighting designers. Its balanced cantilever silhouette transforms a utilitarian object into kinetic sculpture, ideal for a curated study, modernist interior, or design collector’s workspace. Its provenance from Liguria, on the Italian Riviera, adds a further layer of cultural richness and Mediterranean allure to its story. ⸻ Italian Mid-Century Design Context Italy’s mid-century design movement of the 1950s and 1960s was defined by its synthesis of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic expression. Unlike the Bauhaus-influenced austerity of Northern Europe, Italian designers embraced sensuality, elegance, and playful geometry, resulting in lighting and furniture that felt simultaneously functional and poetic. Companies like Stilnovo, Arteluce, and Arredoluce led the way, collaborating with designers such as Gino Sarfatti, Achille Castiglioni, and Ettore Sottsass to create lighting that redefined post-war interiors with sculptural lines and ingenious mechanics. ⸻ Condition: Very good, with light patina to brass and minor wear to shade in line with age. Fully functional and rewired to contemporary standards. ⸻ Explore our storefront for further mid-century Italian and European lighting, curated with a focus on sculptural form and design history. Please note: Shipping quotes provided by 1stdibs are indicative only. Contact us directly with your shipping requirements so we can source the most competitive and tailored shipping solution for you.
  • Similar to:
    Stilnovo (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 44.1 in (112 cm)Width: 10.83 in (27.5 cm)Depth: 5.71 in (14.5 cm)
  • Power Source:
    Plug-in
  • Voltage:
    220-240v
  • Lampshade:
    Included
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Paint,Steel,Metalwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950’s
  • Condition:
    Rewired: Professionally rewired and will easily convert to all regions. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2868333776822

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