Blue Diabolo Pendant Lamp from BAG Turgi, 1950s

Details

Description

This striking mid-century pendant lamp is attributed to the swiss manufacturer bag turgi, based on the close stylistic match to … Read more This striking mid-century pendant lamp is attributed to the swiss manufacturer bag turgi, based on the close stylistic match to a design illustrated in alexander koch's "neuzeitliche leuchten der 50er jahre" (p. 71, center image), a landmark 1953 survey of international post-war lighting design. The piece carries no maker's mark or label, so the attribution should be understood as stylistic rather than documented — but the correspondence to the illustrated model is very close.

the lamp is built as a double-cone "diabolo" silhouette, a hallmark shape of swiss and italian lighting design of the period: two opposing cones in a soft slate-blue lacquered metal, joined by a solid brass collar. A slim brass cross-bar threaded through the collar, together with the fine suspension wires, allows the lower shade to be set at an angle rather than hanging strictly level, giving the fixture a distinctive, almost sculptural stance when installed. Both the upper counter-cone and the lower shade are ringed with small perforations, letting a soft secondary glow escape upward and along the rim while the main light is directed downward and outward through the open underside. The interior of the lower shade is finished in white for maximum light reflection, and the fixture still holds its original bakelite e27 socket.

the lamp is in good vintage condition overall, consistent with its age. The lacquer shows light surface wear typical of the period, along with a small area of paint loss near the rim edge of the lower shade, visible in the detail photos. This piece is designed in the style of the selected designer and/or manufacturer,
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less