Rare and precious Aurora table lamp, designed by Luciano Frigerio in the 1970s, an authentic expression of his unmistakable stylistic language that seamlessly blends sculptural art and functionality.
Entirely crafted in brass, the lamp features a solid circular base and a cylindrical stem produced using the lost-wax casting technique, a process that gives the surface a richly tactile texture composed of irregular reliefs and recesses. This workmanship, characteristic of Frigerio’s most refined production, creates a sophisticated interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the warm, shimmering reflections of the brass.
As with all cast-bronze and brass creations by Luciano Frigerio, this model was produced in a limited edition, making it exceptionally rare and highly sought after today. Only a very small number of examples of this lamp are known to exist. The piece retains a timeless presence and represents a perfect balance between sculpture and functional object—qualities that have earned Frigerio international recognition.
The conical fabric lampshade diffuses a soft, enveloping light, ideal for creating a warm and elegant atmosphere in refined residential interiors or representative spaces. A true collector’s piece that, beyond its lighting function, enriches any space as a genuine work of Italian design art from the second half of the 20th century.
 
Product Name: Aurora Table Lamp by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio
Designer: Luciano Frigerio
Year of Design: 1970s
Style: Italian design of the late 20th century; sculptural and material-driven
Primary Materials: Lost-wax cast brass; fabric lampshade
Distinctive Design: Circular base and cylindrical stem with a richly three-dimensional surface characterized by irregular reliefs and recesses, typical of Frigerio’s artistic castings. The textured surface creates a dynamic play of light and shadow, enhancing the warm golden finish of the brass.
Dimensions:
Height with lampshade: 52 cm
Height without lampshade: 35 cm
Base circumference: 19.5 cm
Comfort: Soft, warm light diffusion through the conical fabric shade, ideal for creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
Typical Use: Decorative lighting for elegant residential interiors, professional studios, and representative spaces.
Design Icon: Emblematic example of Luciano Frigerio’s ability to merge sculpture and functionality into objects of strong aesthetic impact.
Versatility: Perfectly suited to both classic and contemporary interiors, functioning equally well as a reading lamp or as a striking sculptural element.
Current Condition: Out of production; limited edition; today rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Additional Notes: Please note that this object is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present and do not affect its functionality.
 
Luciano Frigerio, born in Desio in 1928, left an indelible mark on the world of design and furniture production, inheriting a family tradition of fine cabinetmaking. His early education, culminating in a diploma in accounting from Collegio Pio XI, was enriched by a deep passion for furniture design and musical composition.
The socio-economic context of Brianza in the 1960s offered fertile ground for entrepreneurial activity in furniture craftsmanship, and Frigerio was quick to recognize its potential. His exposure to renowned workshops and encounters with key figures such as Gio Ponti and Franco Albini inspired the transformation of the family business into an internationally oriented company. In 1973, Frigerio was awarded the title of Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana in recognition of his dedication to fine cabinetmaking.
The defining element of his career emerged with the realization of his vision: furniture as a unique work of art. Supported by a team of skilled technicians, Frigerio created the celebrated “solid wood sculptural furniture” and “cast bronze sculptural beds,” offering a radical alternative to the industrial production of the time. These works embody artisanal excellence and the fusion of noble materials, positioning themselves as true works of art within the design landscape.
Collaborations with prominent Italian architects and designers—including Franco Albini, Sergio Asti, and Paolo Portoghesi—further solidified Frigerio’s standing in the design world. His belief that architects could design unique pieces for fine cabinetmaking guided the company’s philosophy, characterized by the production of numbered and signed works, each one-of-a-kind. During the 1970s and 1990s, the company expanded its presence by opening ten showrooms in major Italian cities.
Recognition of his contributions culminated in 1989 with his appointment as Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Frigerio’s works are held in important galleries in Italy and abroad and have received awards at events such as the Salone Internazionale del Mobile and Abitare il Tempo.
Permanent exhibitions in Milan, including the Galleria del Sagrato and the Art Gallery in Via Montenapoleone, testify to Frigerio’s lasting presence at the heart of the Milanese art and design scene. His legacy endures through exclusive works that celebrate the union of functionality, aesthetics, and master craftsmanship, continuing to influence contemporary design as a benchmark of innovation and excellence.