1970s Space Age Brass & Chrome Starburst Table Lamp

Details

Description

A striking 1970s Space Age sculptural table lamp, distinguished by an extraordinary architectural arrangement of polished brass and chrome elements … Read more A striking 1970s Space Age sculptural table lamp, distinguished by an extraordinary architectural arrangement of polished brass and chrome elements radiating upward from a contrasting black central hub.

The lamp’s body is composed of numerous slender rectangular metal bars arranged in two ascending tiers. Alternating warm brass and cool chrome finishes create a rhythmic, almost starburst-like composition, while the gently flared outer elements give the structure a sense of movement and futuristic verticality.

The highly polished surfaces are particularly beautiful in changing light. Even when switched off, the brass and chrome elements capture and reflect their surroundings, producing shifting highlights of gold and silver and allowing the lamp to function as a sculptural decorative object independent of its illumination.

When lit, the effect becomes even more dramatic.

The lamp is crowned by an elegant flared black shade with a reflective metallic-gold interior. The restrained black exterior creates a bold graphic silhouette and visually relates to the black central collar of the lamp, while the brilliant gold interior reflects a rich, warm light downward across the polished metal structure. Light escaping above and below the shade creates an atmospheric architectural glow and further accentuates the reflective qualities of the base.

The combination of black, gold and chrome, together with its radial construction and exaggerated vertical proportions, places the design firmly within the glamorous Space Age and late Modernist vocabulary of the 1970s, with additional influences from Hollywood Regency’s affinity for luxurious mixed-metal finishes.

At approximately 39 inches tall to the top of the finial, this is an unusually substantial table lamp. The sculptural metal composition alone reaches approximately 22 inches high, giving the piece enough visual presence for a large console, credenza, entryway or statement side table.

More than simply a functional light source, the lamp presents as an illuminated metal sculpture, equally compelling switched on or off.

Period: Circa 1970s

Style: Space Age / Modernist / Hollywood Regency

Materials: Polished brass/brass-tone and chrome/chrome-tone metal; black central metal collar

Shade: Black flared shade with reflective metallic-gold interior by New Brunswick Lamp Shade Co., an American shade manufacturer established in 1943.

Dimensions: Approx. 39” H to finial; 22” H to top of sculptural metalwork

Condition: Very good vintage condition with brilliant reflective surfaces and minor age-appropriate patina and surface wear. Shade included. See less