Light and glass become closely intertwined in this pair of LP 236 wall lamps by Carlo Nason for Mazzega. Produced during the height of post-war Italian glass design, the lamps transform a simple arrangement of circular elements into layered compositions that change considerably between daylight and illumination.

Design‍

Each wall lamp is constructed from overlapping circular glass discs, suspended from a metal framework by small hooks. The discs have a pale lilac tone with an iridescent surface, shifting towards pink, silver and subtle rainbow hues as the viewing angle changes. Their irregular textures and fine craquelé-like patterns give every element a slightly different appearance.

Behind this layered screen, several light sources illuminate the glass from within. Once switched on, the cool lilac colour takes on warmer peach and amber tones, with brighter areas appearing between the overlapping discs. In daylight, the fittings read more as glass compositions: translucent, reflective and almost monochrome. This contrast between their illuminated and unlit appearance is central to the design.

Carlo Nason came from a family of Murano glassmakers and developed lighting that often allowed the material itself to determine the form. For Mazzega, his work during the 1960s and 1970s frequently combined modular glass elements with relatively restrained metal structures. Here, repetition creates volume without concealing the individual character of the glass.

Presented as a pair, the lamps can flank a mirror, artwork or doorway, or form a larger installation when positioned closely together.

The LP 236 balances the decorative possibilities of Murano glass with a straightforward modular construction. Seen together, these two lamps create a broad field of reflected and diffused light with a distinctly Italian character.

Condition‍

Both wall lamps are in excellent vintage condition, with signs of age and use visible on the glass and metal components. Variations, surface lines and irregularities can be seen across the glass discs.