Gaetano Sciolari table lamp

This rare table lamp, designed by Gaetano Sciolari and produced by Sciolari Lighting in Italy during the 1960s, is an exceptional example of Italian mid-century design. Made entirely of brass, the lamp features a modernist sculptural form with a well-considered sense of proportion and surface quality, which are characteristic of the era.

The lamp’s design consists of a wide, shallow dome-shaped shade mounted on a vertical cylindrical stem that connects to a flat, circular base. The shade itself is gently convex, almost hemispherical, with a smooth continuous curvature and a minimal edge profile. The light source is recessed beneath the shade and supported by a flared conical housing that tapers into the central shaft. The shaft is finely detailed with two horizontal ridges—one near the base and another just beneath the socket mount—creating subtle articulations along the vertical structure. The brass surface displays natural oxidation and patination, with visible variations in tone and texture, which give the lamp a rich, aged character. Areas of discoloration and tarnish are consistent with its age, adding to the authenticity and visual depth of the piece. The underside of the shade has a pale off-white interior that reflects light softly downward, creating a warm, ambient glow.

Gaetano Sciolari (1927–1994) was a renowned Italian designer and entrepreneur, particularly noted for his geometric and decorative lighting designs. While he is best known for his chrome and glass chandeliers from the 1970s, his earlier brass works from the 1950s and 1960s, like this table lamp, showcase a more restrained design approach, blending functionalism with sculptural elements. His works often combined architectural clarity with luxurious materials, bridging the principles of Italian rationalism with the opulence of Hollywood glamour.

This lamp is a prime example of the Italian mid-century lighting period, where designers explored the interplay of form, light, and material in minimalist yet expressive ways. It is a rare and early example of Sciolari’s work, produced by his own company, Sciolari Lighting, based in Rome. Sciolari’s firm was internationally recognized, collaborating with some of the most important design figures of the 20th century.

The lamp measures 39 cm in diameter and 48 cm in height (approximately 15.4 inches Ø x 18.9 inches H).