Danilo + Corrado Aroldi, Pala, Luci 1975

The intensely beautiful Pala lamp designed by brothers Danilo and Corrado Aroldi for Luci Italia in 1975. The Pala, which in Italian means spade or shovel, certainly resembles the name it has been given. However, the lamp and its name may have a more religious or sacred significance since the word pala could also be a reference to the pala d’altare or altarpiece. Even though the context is modern, the lamp does appear to be laden with religious symbols — a domed chamber out of which a golden light emanates like a sanctuary lamp and a silver box like the locked tabernacle, all combined to indicate the presence of a divine entity. However you choose to look at it, the Pala remains a very unique and special object.

The body of the lamp is composed of die-cast aluminium. The exterior has a textured finish in a warm cream tone and the interior is a slightly lighter off-white. A mirror-polished stainless steel sliding shutter at the front of the lamp regulates the intensity of light. The lamp is fitted with an original bakelite switch designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced by VLM.

This example of the Pala lamp is in excellent condition and working order. A new E27 2.5W 250 lumen LED light source is included in the sale.