Flos - Philippe Starck - Table lamp (2) - Ara - Chrome plated - 2x Iconic Ara Lamps
04
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Current bid
€ 350
Reserve price not met
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Selected by John Bolt
Has over 20 years of trading experience and owned an independent business.
Estimate € 750 - € 850
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 Bidder 4564 | €350 | |
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Pair of 1988 Flos Ara table lamps by Philippe Starck in polished chrome, 57 cm high, 17 cm wide, 25 cm deep, in excellent working condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Matching Pair of Philippe Starck "Ara" Table Lamps for Flos, 1988 – Museum Quality Icons
Presenting a rare and stunning pair of "Ara" table lamps, an undisputed icon of late 20th-century design. Designed in 1988 by Philippe Starck for the prestigious Italian manufacturer Flos, this lamp is more than a light source—it is a sculptural totem that embodies the transition from industrial design to postmodern art.
The Story & Design
Named after Starck’s eldest daughter, the Ara lamp reflects the designer’s aeronautical heritage. Its aerodynamic, "horn-like" silhouette and mirror-polished finish give it a futuristic yet organic presence. The interaction is famously intuitive and tactile: there is no external switch. To ignite the light, one simply tilts the horn downward; to extinguish it, the head is raised back up.
This particular pair is a collector's dream. Part of the permanent collections at the MoMA (New York) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), the Ara is now out of production. Finding a matching pair in such pristine condition is an exceptional opportunity for any serious design enthusiast or investor.
Technical Specifications
Era: 1980–1989 (Original design 1988)
Manufacturer: Flos (Made in Italy)
Material: Chrome-plated Die-cast Zamak, Lead-weighted base, Glass diffuser.
Dimensions:
Height: 57 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 25 cm
Colour:
Polished Mirror Chrome.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The chrome finish remains brilliant with only negligible signs of age-related wear. In one lamp the lens is missing but is not compromise functionality.
Functionality: In full working order.
Shipping & Packaging
Expert Handling: Both lamps will be shipped in heavy-duty, double-walled reinforced packaging with non-abrasive protection to ensure the mirror-chrome finish arrives in flawless condition. Includes full insurance and tracking.
Why Bid on This Lot?
A pair of "Ara" lamps represents a secure asset in the design market. Its "out of production" status and historical significance at the MoMA guarantee exceptional value retention. Perfect for high-profile interior projects or as a centerpiece in a private collection.
About the Designer: Philippe Starck
Philippe Starck (b. 1949) is a world-renowned French creator and arguably the most influential designer of the late 20th century. Known for his "democratic design" philosophy and his ability to transform everyday objects into provocative art pieces, Starck’s work spans from luxury hotels to iconic lighting and furniture. His 1980s collaboration with Flos produced some of the most celebrated designs in history, blending his father’s aeronautical engineering influence with a unique postmodern wit. Today, Starck’s creations are held in the permanent collections of major global institutions, including the MoMA in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, cementing his status as a true legend of contemporary design.
Seller's Story
About Our Gallery
Our gallery was founded from the deep passion of its owner for art and design, a passion that began in 2005. In that year, he started his journey in the art world by actively participating in national fairs, exhibitions, and specialized events, gradually developing extensive knowledge of the market and its many facets.
Over the years, this dedication has grown into a professional activity built on continuous research, study, and direct experience within the art and design sectors. Through careful exploration of different categories and collecting fields, our gallery has developed the ability to select unique and distinctive pieces that reflect both artistic value and refined design.
Today, we are proud to present our collection both through our physical gallery and through carefully curated online platforms. Our goal is to offer collectors and enthusiasts a diverse selection of sought-after objects, ranging from art pieces to iconic and collectible design items.
Each work or object we present is chosen with attention, expertise, and a genuine appreciation for quality, history, and aesthetic value.
Translated by Google TranslateA Matching Pair of Philippe Starck "Ara" Table Lamps for Flos, 1988 – Museum Quality Icons
Presenting a rare and stunning pair of "Ara" table lamps, an undisputed icon of late 20th-century design. Designed in 1988 by Philippe Starck for the prestigious Italian manufacturer Flos, this lamp is more than a light source—it is a sculptural totem that embodies the transition from industrial design to postmodern art.
The Story & Design
Named after Starck’s eldest daughter, the Ara lamp reflects the designer’s aeronautical heritage. Its aerodynamic, "horn-like" silhouette and mirror-polished finish give it a futuristic yet organic presence. The interaction is famously intuitive and tactile: there is no external switch. To ignite the light, one simply tilts the horn downward; to extinguish it, the head is raised back up.
This particular pair is a collector's dream. Part of the permanent collections at the MoMA (New York) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), the Ara is now out of production. Finding a matching pair in such pristine condition is an exceptional opportunity for any serious design enthusiast or investor.
Technical Specifications
Era: 1980–1989 (Original design 1988)
Manufacturer: Flos (Made in Italy)
Material: Chrome-plated Die-cast Zamak, Lead-weighted base, Glass diffuser.
Dimensions:
Height: 57 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 25 cm
Colour:
Polished Mirror Chrome.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The chrome finish remains brilliant with only negligible signs of age-related wear. In one lamp the lens is missing but is not compromise functionality.
Functionality: In full working order.
Shipping & Packaging
Expert Handling: Both lamps will be shipped in heavy-duty, double-walled reinforced packaging with non-abrasive protection to ensure the mirror-chrome finish arrives in flawless condition. Includes full insurance and tracking.
Why Bid on This Lot?
A pair of "Ara" lamps represents a secure asset in the design market. Its "out of production" status and historical significance at the MoMA guarantee exceptional value retention. Perfect for high-profile interior projects or as a centerpiece in a private collection.
About the Designer: Philippe Starck
Philippe Starck (b. 1949) is a world-renowned French creator and arguably the most influential designer of the late 20th century. Known for his "democratic design" philosophy and his ability to transform everyday objects into provocative art pieces, Starck’s work spans from luxury hotels to iconic lighting and furniture. His 1980s collaboration with Flos produced some of the most celebrated designs in history, blending his father’s aeronautical engineering influence with a unique postmodern wit. Today, Starck’s creations are held in the permanent collections of major global institutions, including the MoMA in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, cementing his status as a true legend of contemporary design.
Seller's Story
About Our Gallery
Our gallery was founded from the deep passion of its owner for art and design, a passion that began in 2005. In that year, he started his journey in the art world by actively participating in national fairs, exhibitions, and specialized events, gradually developing extensive knowledge of the market and its many facets.
Over the years, this dedication has grown into a professional activity built on continuous research, study, and direct experience within the art and design sectors. Through careful exploration of different categories and collecting fields, our gallery has developed the ability to select unique and distinctive pieces that reflect both artistic value and refined design.
Today, we are proud to present our collection both through our physical gallery and through carefully curated online platforms. Our goal is to offer collectors and enthusiasts a diverse selection of sought-after objects, ranging from art pieces to iconic and collectible design items.
Each work or object we present is chosen with attention, expertise, and a genuine appreciation for quality, history, and aesthetic value.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
2x Iconic Ara Lamps
No. of items
2
Material
Chrome plated
Manufacturer/ Brand
Flos
Designer/artist/maker
Philippe Starck
Model
Ara
Country of Origin
Italy
Style
Mid-century modern
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
In Working Order
Yes
Height
57 cm
Width
17 cm
Depth
25 cm
Colour
Silver
Number Of Fittings
2
Estimated period
1980-1990
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