Isao Hosoe, Hebi, Valenti 1970

In production since 1970 and assembled from existing industrial materials, Japanese designer Isao Hosoe’s Hebi lamp is more a collaborative effort of problem solving than a master stroke at the drafting table. The result is a lamp of infinite articulation that is able to support itself through a simple manipulation of its flexible structure, dispensing with the need for a base. Both floor and table lamp, this rare early example of the Hebi is larger than the standard model and measures over 2 meters long when fully extended. This edition also has a larger reflector (Ø 12cm) that features slotted vents to accommodate a brighter E27 light source. As a floor lamp the Hebi can stand up to a maximum of about 1 meter high but can also be coiled in on itself to form a table lamp of less than 30cm. The Hebi is constructed from flexible steel tubing covered in ivory coloured corrugated PVC piping closed with a stainless steel end-cap. The white reflector, which rotates 360°, is composed of powder-coated steel. A rubber cable-end cover is moulded with the mark Valenti Made in Italy.

The lamp has some light scratches on the reflector and a very small hole in the PVC piping. It is in otherwise excellent condition and perfect working order. The 2-pin European plug has been replaced with a 3-pin UK plug. Similarly, the original bakelite rocker switch was faulty and has been replaced, but will nevertheless be shipped with the lamp. The sale includes a new E27 4.9W (40W) 470 lumen light source.