Luciano Vistosi Onfale table lamp – Artemide catalogue 1992
Video: Masters of Murano
A portrait of the master glass makers Luciano Vistosi, Lino Tagliapietra and Alfredo Barbini. After a brief view of Venice and Murano, the three artists are displayed in the workplace. Lino Tagliapietra is shown together with sticks, Luciano Vistosi makes a plate and Alfredo Barbini makes a bowl with the use of sticks. While working, all artists discuss their work.
VLM Components
The wiring, plug, switch and socket of this Luciano Vistosi Onfale table lamp were made by VLM Components from Buccinasco near Milan, Italy in the 1970s, early 80s.
VLM Components became famous for the switches they produce since 1968, designed by Achille Castiglioni. You can find them over here.
VLM is part of the Relco Group, founded in 1967. Today they are the owners of the brands Relco, Leuci, Relco Lighting, VLM Components and Segno.
Luciano Vistosi Onfale Table Lamp
Materials: Round white opal hand blown tubular base. Some metal and plastic parts. White opal hand blown crystal Murano glass mushroom lampshade with a clear glass rim. Made in 1 piece. White painted Bakelite E14 socket.
Height: 26 cm / 10.23”
Width: ∅ 20 cm / 7.87”
Base: ∅ 10 cm / 3.93”
Electricity: 1 bulb E14, 1 x 40 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used. Preferably a white or frosted one.
Period: 1970s – Mid-Century Modern.
Designer: Luciano Vistosi (1931-2010) in 1978.
Manufacturer: Artemide, Pregnana Milanese, near Milan, Italy – Leucos, Murano, Italy.
Other versions: The Luciano Vistosi Onfale table lamp exists in 3 versions. 44 cm, 34,5 and 26 cm high. (17.32”, 13.58” and 10.23”).
A pendant lamp and wall lamp were also made.
The Onfale table lamp was designed for Artemide in Italy in 1978. It is in production ever since. This one is a first edition, to see on the wiring made by VLM Components.
The Onfale table lamps are produced by Leucos for Artemide. Sometimes you find them with the 048 Murano label of the company.
Luciano Vistosi
“…At home, I rarely heard anyone speak of sculpture: we would only talk about painting. And yet, the forms were there: they were created every day in the furnace. I might say that I have always thought three-dimensionally, in a sculptural way.” (Luciano Vistosi, 2003)
Luciano Vistosi
Born February 24th, 1931 on the Murano Island, Luciano Vistosi was constantly searching for absolute designs, leading him to put quality of materials first, closely followed by style. He had a strong belief that drawings were only the starting point of a design, eventually leading to the creation of his glass sculptures. Luciano held a vast number of solo exhibitions and took part in various exhibitions around the globe. He passed away in Venice on May 14th 2010.
Artemide
The Artemide Group is based in Pregnana Milanese, Italy. Artemide was founded by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza in 1960.
The company is best known for the Tizio desk lamp designed by Richard Sapper in 1972 and the Tolomeo desk lamp, designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1986.
Designers who have collaborated with the company include Mario Botta, Sir Norman Foster, Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, Neil Poulton, Karim Rashid, Giò Ponti and many others.
Lamps in the movies!
A Luciano Vistosi Onfale table lamp was used as a prop in the 2021 Italian film Appunti Di Un Venditore Di Donne (Notes Of A Female Salesman). Starring Mario Sgueglia, Miriam Dalmazio and Libero De Rienzo. Many other Italian lamps appear in this movie.
A Luciano Vistosi Onfale table lamp was used as a prop in the 2013 Italian film La Migliore Offerta (The Best Offer). Starring Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess and Sylvia Hoeks.
Links (external links open in a new window)
Luciano Vistosi in the Murano glass Museum
Biography on the Murano Glass Museum website
Inexhibit: The sculpture of Vistosi at the Murano Glass Museum
Onfale table lamp – Artemide website
Luciano Vistosi biography – Artemide website
Artemide design in the MoMA – Museum of Modern Art NY
Murano glass blowing Wikipedia
Appunti Di Un Venditore Di Donne (2021) film – Wikipedia
Appunti Di Un Venditore Di Donne (2021) film – IMDb
La Migliore Offerta (2013) film – Wikipedia
La Migliore Offerta (2013) film – IMDb
Vintageinfo
Luciano Vistosi Nessa table lamp
Artemide Lamps
1976 Artemide studioA Catalogue
Other lamps in the Appunti Di Un Venditore Di Donne (2021) film