Rare Pair of Floor Lamps in Glass and Steel by Carlo Nason, 1970s

This very rare pair of floor lamps, designed by Carlo Nason and produced by Mazzega in Italy during the 1970s, exemplifies the designer’s innovative approach to lighting through his use of hand-blown Murano glass and his mastery of sculptural form. Reflecting the experimental ethos of Italian design in the postwar period, these lamps balance the fluidity of artisanal craftsmanship with the precision of industrial detailing.

Each lamp is composed of two main glass elements joined by a polished steel collar. The lower section is made from vibrant yellow Murano glass, which grounds the composition and introduces a vivid chromatic base. The upper section, formed from opaque milky white glass, serves as the light diffuser. Its smooth, softly domed shape allows light to emit evenly, creating a warm, ambient glow that accentuates the transition between the two glass tones. When illuminated, the lamps reveal subtle tonal gradients within the glass, emphasizing its hand-crafted nature.

The junction between the yellow and white glass is marked by a cylindrical steel collar that not only connects the two components but also contributes to the lamps’ visual rhythm. This metal element, with visible perforations and exposed screw fittings, introduces an industrial contrast to the organic smoothness of the glass. The use of steel in this context is characteristic of Nason’s design sensibility, where material juxtaposition enhances the formal and tactile richness of the piece.

Carlo Nason, a key figure in mid- and late-century Italian lighting design, frequently collaborated with Mazzega, a Murano-based glassworks known for its technical innovation and commitment to quality. Nason’s work with Mazzega is especially notable for its exploration of modularity, color gradation, and the expressive potential of glass as a lighting medium. These floor lamps are exemplary of that legacy—distinct in silhouette, harmonious in material, and functionally attuned to the creation of atmospheric lighting.

Both lamps remain in good vintage condition, exhibiting a rich patina on the steel components and minor surface wear consistent with age and use. The glass surfaces retain their integrity, with no apparent chips or cracks, and display a preserved luster.

As sculptural lighting objects, these lamps are as much works of design as they are instruments of illumination. Their rare coloration, period-authentic materials, and enduring formal appeal position them as important collectibles within the landscape of 20th-century Italian lighting design.

Additional information:
Material: Glass, Steel
Color: White, Yellow
Style: Mid Century
Producer: Mazzega
Period: 1970s
Country: Italy
Dimensions: Short: H: 105 / D: 30
Tall: H: 135 / D: 25
Item Number: 156445