Επιτραπέζιο φωτιστικό (2) - Πλαστικό - Σοβιετική Λάμπα Κρεμλίνου, δεκαετία του 1970

Vintage Soviet Spasskaya Tower Kremlin Illuminated Plexiglas Table Lamp – USSR – c. 1970s

Description

A striking and highly decorative vintage Soviet illuminated table lamp / night light depicting the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin, dating most probably from the 1970s to early 1980s, USSR.

The lamp combines Soviet decorative design, architectural imagery and an ingenious optical lighting effect. Its tall removable upper section is made of thick transparent Plexiglas / acrylic (PMMA), shaped in the form of a slender faceted obelisk. The famous Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin is finely engraved into the transparent material, including its architectural tiers, arched windows, clock, pyramidal roof and five-pointed star.

The lower and upper sections of the acrylic element incorporate red colouring. When the lamp is switched on, light entering the transparent acrylic illuminates the engraved lines and red areas, producing a particularly attractive glowing image of the Kremlin tower. The appearance changes dramatically between daylight and darkness: when switched off, the tower is predominantly transparent and subtle; when illuminated, the engraved architectural details become bright red and clearly visible.

The upper Plexiglas element is removable and fits into the illuminated base.

The lower housing is made of cream-coloured moulded plastic with a relief design imitating masonry and architectural decoration. It stands on a contrasting black plastic base. Inside is a conventional replaceable incandescent bulb, which illuminates both the translucent lower housing and the Plexiglas tower above.

An especially interesting feature for collectors can be found on the underside. The black base retains a moulded Soviet manufacturer's emblem and the original retail price inscription “ЦЕНА 15 РУБ.” (“PRICE 15 ROUBLES”). A further number, apparently No. 54, is also visible beneath the price marking. These integral markings are useful evidence of the object's original Soviet production.

The exact manufacturer has not been established, and is therefore deliberately not attributed.

Dimensions

Overall height including the Plexiglas element: 34.5 cm

Lower lamp body: approximately 9 × 9 cm

Height of lower body/base section: approximately 11 cm

The substantial 34.5 cm height gives the object considerably more visual presence than the small non-illuminated Kremlin souvenirs commonly produced in the USSR.

Condition

The lamp is in good vintage condition considering its age and is fully functional, as demonstrated in the photographs.

The lighting system works and produces both a warm glow through the lower body and a striking red illumination of the engraved Spasskaya Tower.

There are normal signs of age and use, including light surface scratches, small marks, age-related discolouration and some dirt/patina, particularly around the interior of the lamp housing. These are consistent with a Soviet object approximately four to five decades old.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

The electrical cable is fitted with an inline switch which appears to be a later replacement/addition. No claim is therefore made that the complete electrical wiring is entirely original to the lamp.

Dating and attribution

Country: USSR / Soviet Union
Period: most probably c. 1970s–early 1980s
Object: decorative table lamp / night light
Subject: Spasskaya Tower, Moscow Kremlin
Materials: transparent and coloured Plexiglas/acrylic, moulded plastic, electrical components
Technique: engraved acrylic with internal/edge illumination
Manufacturer: unidentified Soviet manufacturer
Original marked retail price: 15 roubles
Condition: working

Collector's interest

This is an appealing example of Soviet-era decorative lighting and architectural souvenir design.

Unlike the numerous small static Kremlin souvenirs produced during the Soviet period, this object was designed as a functional electric lamp. The combination of the sculptural transparent obelisk, engraved architecture and red illumination creates an unusually dramatic effect when the lamp is switched on.

The subject itself is one of the most recognisable architectural symbols of Moscow: the Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin, represented here with its clock and star.

The surviving moulded Soviet price of 15 roubles on the underside is a particularly attractive period detail and adds documentary interest for collectors of Soviet design, USSR memorabilia, vintage lighting and 20th-century decorative objects.

A distinctive piece that works equally well as a collectible Soviet design object, vintage table lamp or atmospheric interior accent.

The lamp will be carefully packed for shipping, with particular attention paid to protecting the removable Plexiglas tower.