Small cocoon Table Lamp, model Gatto Piccolo. Design by Achille & Pier Castiglioni for Flos, Italy in 1960. Made in the 1960s or 1970s. A great example of mid-century modern lighting design.

A thin steel framework covered with sprayed resin gives a Fiberglass look. The translucent resin gives a beautiful soft light effect. The base is made of solid wood. 

Achille Castiglioni and his brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo were renowned for their lighting design. Their most well-known design is the Arco floor lamp. They used the cocoon technique for their table lamps and pendants which have all become design classics.

The ‘cocoon’ technology has been developed by the german Friedel Wauer, who discovered a mechanical way to cover a steel mesh by imitating the "self-coiling" of the silkworm. Many designers as George Nelson and Tobia Scarpa were fascinated by the light effect and the properties of the cocooning material.

The table lamp comes with a light socket for E14 bulbs. Works with 110v and 220v. Original wiring and EU-plug. On request, the lamp can be rewired and equipped with a US-plug (free of charge). 

Nice vintage state with some user marks and a small hole in the cocoon at the bottom, not visible if the lamp stands up. See last photograph.

Height 30 cm / Diameter 20 cm