Overview
A sculptural table lighter made in Italy during the 1970s, featuring a faceted body carved from richly banded green onyx and a brass-toned metal lighter mechanism. The contrast between the geometric stone base and the warm metallic top transforms a functional smoking accessory into a refined decorative object.
 
Description
This table lighter combines the natural beauty of banded green onyx with a compact, architectural form.
The substantial stone body is cut into a faceted geometric volume, with angled surfaces that reveal the layered structure of the material from different perspectives. Translucent green bands alternate with ivory, cream, amber and fine rust-coloured lines, creating a naturally complex pattern that continues around the entire object.
Set into the upper surface is a brass-toned metal lighter mechanism with a rounded base and classic lever ignition. Its warm metallic finish complements the orange and honey-coloured bands within the stone, while providing a refined contrast with the cooler green tones.
Compact yet visually substantial, the piece works equally well as a functional table lighter or as a small sculptural object displayed on a desk, coffee table, bar cabinet or console.
 
Design & Function
Conceived as a tabletop lighter, the object features a removable or integrated metal lighter mechanism fitted into the centre of the carved stone body.
The wide, weighted onyx base provides stability during use, while the faceted construction gives the piece a distinctive decorative presence. The lighter is operated through its upper lever and ignition wheel, following the traditional mechanism commonly used in vintage table lighters.
Its original functionality has not been tested. It is therefore offered primarily as a collectible decorative object, and the mechanism may require servicing, fuel or replacement components before use.
 
Materials & Aesthetic
The body is carved from polished green onyx, more precisely a naturally banded calcite commonly known in the decorative arts as onyx marble.
The stone presents horizontal layers in translucent sage green, pale ivory, cream and warm orange, with subtle mineral variations and occasional crystalline areas. The faceted surfaces interrupt and redirect these bands, creating a dynamic pattern that changes according to the viewing angle and surrounding light.
The brass-toned lighter mechanism introduces warmth and contrast. Its aged metallic surface complements the natural colours of the stone and reinforces the luxurious character associated with Italian decorative accessories of the 1970s.
 
Technical Details
Product: Italian Geometric Green Onyx and Brass Table Lighter, 1970s
Designer: Italian Manufacture
Manufacturer: Italian Manufacture
Country of Manufacture: Italy
Period: 1970s
Materials: Polished green onyx — banded calcite; brass-toned metal
Dimensions: Height 10cm | Width 5,5cm | Depth 5,5cm
Condition: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. The stone presents natural banding, mineral inclusions, tonal variations and irregularities intrinsic to the material. Minor surface marks, scratches and small signs of wear may be visible along the polished facets and edges. The metal lighter mechanism shows patina, oxidation, rubbing and surface marks consistent with age and previous use. We kindly invite you to examine the photographs carefully and take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Functionality: Table lighter and decorative object; the lighter mechanism has not been tested and may require servicing before use
 
Collectibility
Vintage table lighters in natural stone are appreciated for the way they transform an everyday smoking accessory into a substantial decorative object.
This example is particularly distinctive for its sharply faceted construction and the expressive quality of its green onyx. The natural bands pass across the geometric planes of the body, creating a unique composition that could never be repeated identically.
Its combination of natural stone, warm metal and sculptural geometry makes it an attractive collectible for interiors dedicated to Italian mid-century and 1970s decorative design.
 
Designer & Manufacturer
Produced by an unidentified Italian manufacturer during the 1970s, this table lighter reflects the period’s fascination with precious natural materials and geometric domestic accessories.
Onyx was frequently selected for desk objects, barware and smoking accessories because of its translucency, rich colouring and naturally decorative banding. In this piece, the stone is cut into an angular architectural form rather than a conventional rounded base, giving the lighter a particularly modern and sculptural identity.
The result is a functional object conceived with the presence of a small decorative sculpture.