1st edition Lucellino table lamp by Ingo Maurer, 1992.
Iconic table lamp with wings that subtly brings together light and playfulness.
The Lucellino table lamp , designed by Ingo Maurer in 1992 , is an object that immediately evokes a reaction. Small in size, but grand in feeling – as if light takes on a personality of its own here. The Lucellino is one of Maurer's most famous designs and is regarded as one of the most poetic lighting objects of the late 20th century.
The lamp consists of a simple light source to which delicate wings are attached. That contrast between technology and poetry makes the design so special. It appears fragile and light, almost as if it could fly away at any moment, yet remains firmly present at the same time. The name Lucellino is a wordplay on the Italian words luce and uccellino – light and little bird – which perfectly summarizes how Maurer managed to connect technology with humor, emotion, and imagination.
When the lamp is lit, a soft, warm glow is created that enhances the form. The light seems not only to shine but also to float. The wings subtly catch the light, giving the whole piece an almost dreamy appearance.
This is a first edition , which makes the piece extra special for those with an eye for detail and originality. This concerns the incandescent version with dimmer , not the later LED version. The current official Lucellino Table uses a specially developed Ambient LED bulb as a successor to the classic halogen/incandescent experience; precisely for this reason, early versions with a dimmer and traditional light source hold extra appeal for collectors today.
The designer also lends this piece extra weight. Ingo Maurer (1932–2019) was acclaimed worldwide as the “poet of light” and built up a unique oeuvre from the 1960s onwards in which lighting is not merely functional, but also playful, provocative, and emotional. His designs are held in international museum collections and are still appreciated for their freedom and imagination.
The lamp is in good condition. A rare and desirable object for those who appreciate design with a concept – and lighting that does much more than just illuminate.