The Wit and Humour of the Gibigiana Table Lamp

Gibigiana Table Lamp designed by Achille Castiglioni

In 1981, Italian designer Achille Castiglioni created the Gibigiana Lamp. It was manufactured by Flos and it was made of enamelled steel and plastic.

Shape of Animal or Bird

Castiglioni’s approach to design is characterised by wit and humour, which is portrayed here by a shape that resembles an animal or bird. The Gibigiana is a table light that may be adjusted. It includes a dimmer and produces reflected light. The lamp also successfully applies the halogen bulb’s relatively new technique of reflecting light against a mirror and concentrating it on a specific location — a function emphasised in the lamp’s peculiar name, which is the Italian word for light reflected from a surface.

A round dial on the lamp’s “head” controls the angle of reflection, while a lever that runs up and down the base controls the strength of the light. The Gibigiana aimed to blend a unique look with a high-end, high-quality finish that isn’t usually associated with this type of household product.

Sources

“Gibigiana” Table Lamp; Designed by Achille Castiglioni (Italian, 1918–2002); Italy; enamelled steel, plastic; 52 x 11 cm (20 1/2 x 4 5/16 in.); 1989-78-1

McDermott, C. (1997). 20th-century Design. Carlton.

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