Early Viscontea lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s

An iconic Viscontea hanging lamp, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the early 1960s. The lamp is an important example of the Castiglioni brothers’ experimental approach to lighting and their exploration of new materials and production techniques during the postwar period. The sculptural shade is formed around a delicate metal framework, over which a translucent cocoon-like resin material has been applied. The tension between the rigid internal structure and the softly stretched membrane creates the lamp’s distinctive organic silhouette, with a rhythmic series of curved sections and pronounced vertical ribs. When switched off, the Viscontea has a subtle, almost weightless appearance, revealing the warm natural tone and fibrous texture of its surface. Once illuminated, the translucent material beautifully diffuses the light, emphasizing the internal structure and producing a warm, atmospheric glow. The design reflects the innovative character of early Flos lighting, when the company collaborated with leading Italian designers to experiment with sprayed polymer materials originally developed for industrial applications. The resulting form sits somewhere between functional lighting and sculpture, making the Viscontea instantly recognizable from every angle. This example retains a beautiful aged patina, with variations and traces of age visible throughout the cocoon surface, consistent with its period and material. These characteristics give the lamp an authentic and particularly atmospheric appearance. Measurements: H 48 x Ø 68 cm