'Rabarbaro' Two-Leaf Floor Lamp

Huge and elegant two-leaf patinated gilt brass 'Rabarbaro' or rhubarb leaf floor lamp with embossed leaves, handmade using repoussé and chasing techniques, mounted on stems ending on circular base, Italy, 1970s. Recently rewired to U.S. standards.

In 1970 Bottega Gadda was founded by Carlo Gadda, a sculptor, painter, engraver and professor of drawing at the Academy of Fine Arts. Gadda first began working and experimenting with precious metals and gems. Inspired by naturalistic themes of the Arts & Crafts movement, he then focused on creating lighting fixtures and decorative objects in brass, copper, pewter and bronze. Most notable among his early works were unique handmade lighting fixtures designed by architect Carlo Giorgi made with exquisite craftsmanship in the form of large rhubarb, ginkgo or wisteria leaves in bent and chased brass.

Carlo’s son Silvio Gadda then took over Bottega Gadda and later Claudio Giannuzzi, a longtime craftsman at the workshop, expanding the business by taking on commissions in collaboration with internationally renowned architects and designers. Throughout the years, Bottega Gadda had explored new innovations and techniques in the production of lighting and had been met with continued success in trade shows in Paris, London and Milan. Bottega Gadda recently ceased production and is no longer in business.