Paola Pagani & Carlo Pellegrini for Gabbianelli – “La Luna” – Rare Orange Ceramic Table Lamp – Italy, 1967 An important, rare and highly sculptural example of Italian lighting design from the late 1960s: the celebrated “La Luna” table lamp, designed by Paola Pagani and Carlo Pellegrini in 1967 and manufactured by Gabbianelli in Cusano Milanino, in the Milan area, Lombardy, Italy. This example is presented in the striking orange glazed ceramic version, a colourway that is considerably less frequently encountered than the better-known white examples and is currently particularly difficult to find on the vintage design market. Design La Luna is conceived as an almost perfect sphere divided horizontally into two substantial glazed ceramic sections. When switched off, the lamp appears almost like an abstract ceramic sculpture: a compact geometric volume in glossy orange, interrupted only by a narrow opening around its equator. When illuminated, the character of the object changes completely. A circular fluorescent light source concealed between the two ceramic sections creates a luminous ring around the centre of the sphere. The light is emitted directly through the opening while simultaneously reflecting against the glossy orange ceramic surfaces. At the brightest point the fluorescent ring appears almost white, while the surrounding ceramic transforms the light into warmer shades of yellow, amber and deep orange. The lamp also projects a soft reflected glow onto the surrounding surface and wall, producing a striking halo effect. Depending on the viewing angle, the illuminated opening appears either as a narrow glowing crescent or as a broader continuous band around the sphere. This contrast between the apparently closed ceramic volume and the light emerging from its centre gives the object its unmistakable character and explains the poetic name: “La Luna” – “The Moon”. It is a characteristic example of the experimental relationship between geometry, ceramic material, colour and artificial light explored by Italian designers during the Space Age period. Rare orange version While La Luna is known in different finishes, the orange glazed version is significantly less frequently encountered on the present market than the white examples. Orange examples appear only occasionally in specialist auction archives and design collections, making this colourway particularly desirable. The orange glaze also intensifies the visual effect when the lamp is illuminated, transforming the cool fluorescent source into a much warmer amber and orange halo. The combination of: rare orange glaze + original Gabbianelli label + documented literature reference + functioning period lighting system makes this an especially attractive example of the model. Designers, manufacturer & production Designers: Paola Pagani & Carlo Pellegrini Manufacturer: Gabbianelli Model: La Luna Year: 1967 Country: Italy Production area: Cusano Milanino, Milan, Lombardy Gabbianelli was an important Italian ceramic manufacturer associated with the Milanese design scene and with collaborations involving architects and designers during the post-war period. By the 1960s, the company's production activities were centred in Cusano Milanino, north of Milan, where ceramic production and design-oriented projects were developed. La Luna belongs to this particularly innovative period of Gabbianelli production, when traditional ceramic craftsmanship was combined with increasingly experimental forms, colours and lighting systems. Original Gabbianelli label The lamp retains its important original Gabbianelli manufacturer's label underneath. The surviving label identifies: GABBIANELLI – Sezione design P/P Lampada “La Luna” Disegno Arch. Pagani/Pellegrini Made in Italy The original period label provides direct identification of the manufacturer, model and designers and represents an important element of authenticity and provenance. Published and documented design La Luna is not merely stylistically attributed: it is a documented and published Italian design. The model appears in the important specialist reference: Fulvio Ferrari & Napoleone Ferrari Luce. Lampade 1968–1973: il nuovo design italiano Umberto Allemandi & C., Turin, 2003 The publication illustrates and identifies: Paola Pagani e Carlo Pellegrini – “La Luna” – Gabbianelli – 1967 The model is reproduced on page 78, illustration no. 79. Photographs of the relevant publication and caption are included with the lot for documentation and comparison. The model has also appeared in specialist design auctions held by established European auction houses, including examples in the same orange glazed ceramic finish. Construction The apparent simplicity of the spherical design conceals a relatively sophisticated internal construction. The lamp consists of: Two substantial glazed ceramic shells Internal metal supporting structure Circular fluorescent lighting system Fluorescent ballast Starter Period electrical connections Inline on/off switch The internal construction and electrical system have been photographed in detail and are included among the lot photographs. This construction allows the fluorescent source to remain largely hidden while producing the characteristic floating luminous band between the two ceramic elements. Electrical components Visible internal components include: ERO ballast – Italy – 220–230 V / 50 Hz and OSRAM St 111 starter – Germany – 220–240 V – 4–80 W The inline switch is marked: 2A / 250V The visible internal electrical components, wiring arrangement and inline switch appear to be period/coeval components consistent with the age and construction of the lamp. The mains plug may have been replaced at some point with a more modern compatible plug, as commonly occurs with vintage electrical objects that have remained in use over several decades. No other modification is known unless expressly mentioned in this description. Dimensions and weight Height: approx. 23 cm Diameter: approx. 26 cm Weight: approx. 4.05 kg The substantial weight reflects the thickness and quality of the glazed ceramic sections combined with the internal metal and electrical structure. Condition The lamp is preserved in good authentic vintage condition and retains a strong, glossy and visually impressive orange glaze. The ceramic naturally shows traces consistent with almost sixty years of age and use, including small marks, light scratches, minor surface imperfections and localized glaze wear. There is a small localized chip/loss to the orange glazed surface, clearly documented in the close-up photographs. Additional minor wear is visible around the lower edge and cable exit. These areas have not been concealed, repainted or cosmetically disguised, allowing the buyer to evaluate the actual condition accurately. The original Gabbianelli paper label remains attached to the underside. It shows age-related wear and a small area of loss, but the important identifying information remains readable. The metal underside, internal structure, electrical components, cable and switch naturally show normal traces of age, use and handling. Please examine all photographs carefully. Detailed photographs of the ceramic glaze, underside, label, switch, internal construction and electrical components form an integral part of the condition description. Functionality The lamp has been carefully tested and is functioning correctly at the time of listing. The circular fluorescent lighting system operates and produces the distinctive illuminated central ring and reflected halo shown in the photographs. All functions mentioned in this description have been tested and verified and will be tested again before shipment as a final quality check. This is a vintage electrical lamp incorporating original or period electrical components. Due to its age, slight variations in operation or behaviour may naturally occur over time even when fully functional at the time of testing. Light sources, including bulbs, fluorescent tubes, neon tubes, halogen or LED elements where present, are not guaranteed and are considered consumable parts. Vintage item notice The item is offered in original, vintage and pre-owned condition and is described accurately and in good faith. Before listing, the item is carefully cleaned, tested and documented with detailed photographs and, where applicable, functional testing. All functions mentioned in the description are tested and verified and are tested again before shipment as a final quality check. This is a vintage lamp, sold as described and shown. Signs of age, minor marks, surface wear, small aesthetic imperfections and typical ageing of materials such as ceramic, metal, plastic, wiring, switches and electrical components are normal characteristics of an object of this age and should not be confused with newly manufactured condition. The item has not been modified unless explicitly stated and is intended for normal use consistent with its age, or for collection and display. As with all vintage electrical equipment, the buyer should consider local electrical regulations, voltage compatibility and any desired professional inspection before prolonged use. Professional packing & insured shipping Due to the substantial weight and ceramic construction of this lamp, particular attention will be given to packing. The item will be professionally packed using appropriate protective materials, with the ceramic body and internal structure carefully protected. It will be double-boxed where appropriate to provide additional protection during transport. Shipping will be tracked and insured. Immediately before packing, the lamp will receive a final visual and functional check. The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch. The buyer is responsible for providing a correct and complete shipping address and for receiving or collecting the parcel within the carrier's specified timeframe. In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery or an incorrect/incomplete address, Catawiki's applicable procedures and conditions will apply. Buyer acknowledgement By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully read the complete description and reviewed all photographs. The photographs are an integral part of the lot description and document the condition, normal signs of age, localized glaze loss, manufacturer's label, electrical components, internal construction and functionality of the lamp. Specifications Model: La Luna Designers: Paola Pagani & Carlo Pellegrini Manufacturer: Gabbianelli Production: Cusano Milanino, Milan, Lombardy, Italy Country: Italy Year: 1967 Colour: Rare orange version Materials: glazed ceramic, metal and electrical components Lighting: circular fluorescent system Voltage: 220–230 V / 50 Hz system Height: approx. 23 cm Diameter: approx. 26 cm Weight: approx. 4.05 kg Condition: authentic vintage condition with documented age-related wear and small localized glaze loss Function: tested and working Identification: original Gabbianelli label present Literature: F. Ferrari & N. Ferrari, Luce. Lampade 1968–1973: il nuovo design italiano, Allemandi, 2003, p. 78, ill. 79 Collector's note A rare, documented and currently difficult-to-source example of Italian Space Age lighting. The sculptural spherical architecture, vivid and less frequently encountered orange glaze, original Gabbianelli label, surviving period electrical system, substantial ceramic construction, documented Milanese production and presence in specialist Italian design literature distinguish this example from more commonly encountered versions of La Luna. When illuminated, the lamp becomes much more than a functional light source: the glowing equatorial ring visually separates the ceramic sphere into two floating volumes, while the orange glaze transforms the fluorescent light into an extraordinary warm halo. A striking collector's piece from the golden period of experimental Italian design, equally compelling as an illuminated object, ceramic sculpture and historically documented example of late-1960s Space Age lighting.