Poltronova - Superstudio - Table lamp - Perspex

07
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16
hours
38
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Current bid
€ 30
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Christian Plat
Expert
Estimate  € 2,300 - € 2,800
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ITBidder 5897
€30
ESBidder 3339
€25

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Table lamp Gherpe, designed by Superstudio for Poltronova, dating from the 1960s, made of red Perspex, dimensions 53 cm wide, 31 cm deep and 38 cm high, in good used condition and in working order.

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Description from the seller

Icon of Radical Design: Poltronova’s Gherpe Table Lamp by Superstudio

We present at auction an authentic luminous sculpture: the Gherpe lamp, designed in 1967 by the group Superstudio and produced by Poltronova. This object is not only a lamp, but a manifesto of avant-garde design that shattered traditional aesthetic canons to introduce a new idea of interaction between light and form.

Design and History: Beyond Form
Born in the creative ferment of 1960s Florence, the Gherpe is the perfect expression of Radical Design:
Shell Structure: The lamp is made up of a series of petals or shells in Perspex (acrylic) that recall the shape of a sea creature or a armored shell.
Modularity and Light: Thanks to the central pivot, the Perspex crests can be oriented and overlapped at will, allowing the user to modify not only the lamp’s shape but also the intensity and diffusion of the light beam.
Historical Value: The Gherpe breaks the rigidity of classical modernism to embrace organic and playful forms, becoming a fundamental piece of the Poltronova collection and of the international museum landscape.

Auction Lot Conditions
The auction lot is presented in excellent working condition with only minor signs of use:
Materials: The Perspex maintains its original brightness and deep color depth. The surface is glossy and shows no deep scratches or significant yellowing.
Mechanical: The petals’ rotation system is fluid and functional, allowing configuration adjustments without effort.
Components: The lamp retains all original components, evidence of careful long-term conservation.

Dimensions
Width: 54 cm
Depth: 31 cm
Height: 38 cm

Acquiring a Gherpe lamp means owning a piece of “counter-current” design history. Its dramatic presence is extraordinary, capable of transforming a space with its vibrant light and its futuristic silhouette.

The Designer: Superstudio
Founded in 1966 in Florence by Adolfo Natalini and Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, Superstudio was one of the most influential groups in global radical architecture. Their works challenged the role of architecture and design, proposing utopian visions and objects with a strong symbolic and conceptual charge.

The Manufacturer: Poltronova
Under the artistic direction of Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova became in the 1960s and 1970s the premier Italian design creative laboratory. The company dared to produce experimental and “out-of-the-box” pieces, collaborating with the most visionary designers of the century and creating icons now exhibited in the world’s largest modern art museums, from MoMA to Centre Pompidou.

Shipping and Insurance.
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transport in the stated shipping costs.

Seller's Story

ORVETT is your preferred destination to discover and acquire the best of Italian design, from iconic creations of the 1950s to the present day. We are passionate about both masterpieces recognized by the general public and the most sought-after rarities, selecting each piece with the utmost care. With over thirty years of experience in the industry, our dedicated team meticulously prepares each item, ensuring it is presented at its best. Our mission goes beyond simply offering extraordinary design pieces: we are committed to providing excellent customer service. Clear and timely communication, professional packaging, safe transportation, and efficient after-sales service are the pillars of our commitment. We aim to build lasting trust with our buyers worldwide, knowing that a satisfied customer is a customer who will return to choose ORVETT.
Translated by Google Translate

Icon of Radical Design: Poltronova’s Gherpe Table Lamp by Superstudio

We present at auction an authentic luminous sculpture: the Gherpe lamp, designed in 1967 by the group Superstudio and produced by Poltronova. This object is not only a lamp, but a manifesto of avant-garde design that shattered traditional aesthetic canons to introduce a new idea of interaction between light and form.

Design and History: Beyond Form
Born in the creative ferment of 1960s Florence, the Gherpe is the perfect expression of Radical Design:
Shell Structure: The lamp is made up of a series of petals or shells in Perspex (acrylic) that recall the shape of a sea creature or a armored shell.
Modularity and Light: Thanks to the central pivot, the Perspex crests can be oriented and overlapped at will, allowing the user to modify not only the lamp’s shape but also the intensity and diffusion of the light beam.
Historical Value: The Gherpe breaks the rigidity of classical modernism to embrace organic and playful forms, becoming a fundamental piece of the Poltronova collection and of the international museum landscape.

Auction Lot Conditions
The auction lot is presented in excellent working condition with only minor signs of use:
Materials: The Perspex maintains its original brightness and deep color depth. The surface is glossy and shows no deep scratches or significant yellowing.
Mechanical: The petals’ rotation system is fluid and functional, allowing configuration adjustments without effort.
Components: The lamp retains all original components, evidence of careful long-term conservation.

Dimensions
Width: 54 cm
Depth: 31 cm
Height: 38 cm

Acquiring a Gherpe lamp means owning a piece of “counter-current” design history. Its dramatic presence is extraordinary, capable of transforming a space with its vibrant light and its futuristic silhouette.

The Designer: Superstudio
Founded in 1966 in Florence by Adolfo Natalini and Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, Superstudio was one of the most influential groups in global radical architecture. Their works challenged the role of architecture and design, proposing utopian visions and objects with a strong symbolic and conceptual charge.

The Manufacturer: Poltronova
Under the artistic direction of Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova became in the 1960s and 1970s the premier Italian design creative laboratory. The company dared to produce experimental and “out-of-the-box” pieces, collaborating with the most visionary designers of the century and creating icons now exhibited in the world’s largest modern art museums, from MoMA to Centre Pompidou.

Shipping and Insurance.
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transport in the stated shipping costs.

Seller's Story

ORVETT is your preferred destination to discover and acquire the best of Italian design, from iconic creations of the 1950s to the present day. We are passionate about both masterpieces recognized by the general public and the most sought-after rarities, selecting each piece with the utmost care. With over thirty years of experience in the industry, our dedicated team meticulously prepares each item, ensuring it is presented at its best. Our mission goes beyond simply offering extraordinary design pieces: we are committed to providing excellent customer service. Clear and timely communication, professional packaging, safe transportation, and efficient after-sales service are the pillars of our commitment. We aim to build lasting trust with our buyers worldwide, knowing that a satisfied customer is a customer who will return to choose ORVETT.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Material
Perspex
Manufacturer/ Brand
Poltronova
Designer/artist/maker
Superstudio
Country of Origin
Italy
Style
Design
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
In Working Order
Yes
Height
38 cm
Width
53 cm
Depth
31 cm
Colour
Red
Estimated period
1960-1970
Sold by
ItalyVerified
1626
Objects sold
100%
protop

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