Poltronova - Superstudio - Table lamp - Gherpe - Perspex
05
days
20
hours
06
minutes
27
seconds
Current bid
€ 450
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Alexander Fahl
Art historian with over 10 years' experience and expertise in Italian design.
Estimate € 2,500 - € 2,800
84 other people are watching this object
 | €450 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €430 | |
 | €400 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 133960 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Gherpe table lamp designed by Superstudio for Poltronova, in red Perspex, circa 1960–1970, dimensions 53 x 31 x 38 cm, in good condition and in working order.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Icon of Radical Design: Superstudio’s 'Gherpe' Table Lamp for Poltronova
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 just 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 composed of a series of petals or shells in Perspex (acrylic) that recall the shape of a marine creature or 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 Conditions
The lot on offer is in excellent operating condition with only slight signs of use:
Materials: Perspex maintains its original brilliance and depth of color. The surface is glossy and shows no deep scratches or significant yellowing.
Mechanical: The petal rotation system is smooth and functional, allowing configuration adjustment without effort.
Components: The lamp retains all original components, evidencing careful preservation over time.
Dimensions
Width: 53 cm
Depth: 31 cm
Height: 38 cm
Acquiring a Gherpe lamp means owning a piece of “counter-current” design history. Its scenographic presence is extraordinary, capable of transforming a space with its vibrant light and 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 of global radical architecture. Their work aimed to question the role of architecture and design, proposing utopian visions and objects endowed with strong symbolic and conceptual charge.
The Producer: Poltronova
Under the artistic direction of Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova became in the 1960s and 1970s the quintessential Italian design creative laboratory. The company had the courage to produce experimental and “out-of-the-box” pieces, collaborating with some of the century’s most visionary designers and creating icons now exhibited in the world’s major modern art museums, from MoMA to the Centre Pompidou.
Shipping and Insurance:
Our company ORVETT includes shipping insurance in the indicated shipping costs. For overseas shipping, the cost is indicative. We will issue a quote after the auction concludes depending on the destination.
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 TranslateIcon of Radical Design: Superstudio’s 'Gherpe' Table Lamp for Poltronova
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 just 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 composed of a series of petals or shells in Perspex (acrylic) that recall the shape of a marine creature or 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 Conditions
The lot on offer is in excellent operating condition with only slight signs of use:
Materials: Perspex maintains its original brilliance and depth of color. The surface is glossy and shows no deep scratches or significant yellowing.
Mechanical: The petal rotation system is smooth and functional, allowing configuration adjustment without effort.
Components: The lamp retains all original components, evidencing careful preservation over time.
Dimensions
Width: 53 cm
Depth: 31 cm
Height: 38 cm
Acquiring a Gherpe lamp means owning a piece of “counter-current” design history. Its scenographic presence is extraordinary, capable of transforming a space with its vibrant light and 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 of global radical architecture. Their work aimed to question the role of architecture and design, proposing utopian visions and objects endowed with strong symbolic and conceptual charge.
The Producer: Poltronova
Under the artistic direction of Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova became in the 1960s and 1970s the quintessential Italian design creative laboratory. The company had the courage to produce experimental and “out-of-the-box” pieces, collaborating with some of the century’s most visionary designers and creating icons now exhibited in the world’s major modern art museums, from MoMA to the Centre Pompidou.
Shipping and Insurance:
Our company ORVETT includes shipping insurance in the indicated shipping costs. For overseas shipping, the cost is indicative. We will issue a quote after the auction concludes depending on the destination.
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 TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Material
Perspex
Manufacturer/brand
Poltronova
Designer/artist/maker
Superstudio
Model
Gherpe
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
