Overview
Elegant table lighter designed by Tommaso Barbi, made in Italy in the 1970s. A refined desk object of strong decorative presence, combining a deep cobalt-blue glazed ceramic body with a torchon (rope-twist) relief and brushed metal fittings in warm brass tones.
Description
This table lighter reflects the refined and highly decorative language that characterizes the most recognizable production of Tommaso Barbi.
The piece is built around a cylindrical body in intense cobalt-blue glazed ceramic, modelled with a torchon of helical flutes that wrap around the surface and catch the light, giving the object movement and chromatic depth. The ceramic is framed between a brushed metal cap and a metal base in warm brass tones, which house the mechanism and create an elegant contrast between the softness of the relief and the geometric rigour of the metal finishes.
The underside is engraved with the "TB" monogram and the wording "Made in Italy", confirming its attribution.
Design & Function
Conceived as a functional yet sculptural accessory, the lighter houses its striking mechanism beneath the removable upper metal section, while the lower band acts as a stable base. The proportions are compact and architectural, making it equally suited to a desk, a coffee table, or a bar cabinet display.
The overall effect is sophisticated and tactile: a small object that works as a genuine decorative focal point and an ideal gift idea for design lovers.
Materials & Aesthetic
This example perfectly represents Barbi's aesthetic research, based on the masterful pairing of glazed ceramic and metal, the artisanal quality of the finishes, and a sophisticated taste suspended between mid-century modernism and Hollywood Regency luxury.
The torchon ceramic, here in an intense cobalt blue, is one of the most distinctive signatures of his production. The glaze preserves a beautiful luminous surface, while the metal shows a natural patina with small variations compatible with the nature of the materials and the period of the piece.
Technical Details
Product: Tommaso Barbi Blue Glazed Ceramic and Brass-Toned Metal Table Lighter, Italy 1970s
Designer: Tommaso Barbi
Manufacturer: Tommaso Barbi – Made in Italy
Period: 1970s
Materials: Blue glazed ceramic with torchon relief; brushed brass-toned metal cap and base
Dimensions: Height: 10cm | Diameter: 8cm
Condition: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. The ceramic body is intact and glossy, with no notable chips; the metal shows light oxidation and a natural patina consistent with age and use. The lighter mechanism is present, and we recommend having it checked or serviced before use. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its decorative value. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Functionality: Table lighter with manual striking mechanism housed in the upper metal section
Collectibility
This table lighter belongs to the sought-after decorative production of Tommaso Barbi, recognizable by the engraved "tb / Made in Italy" mark on the base. The same model is documented in other colourways, such as bordeaux, and the cobalt-blue torchon version is particularly attractive to collectors of 1970s Italian design.
A refined piece, ideal for collectors, interior designers, and prestigious interiors with a Hollywood Regency and mid-century taste.
Designer & Manufacturer
Tommaso Barbi is an Italian designer active mainly between the 1960s and the 1980s, with his creative peak in the 1970s. His work is renowned for sculptural, naturalistic décor and lighting, produced predominantly in brass, ceramic, and metal within the Hollywood Regency spirit.
His torchon ceramics, made in a range of colourways, are among his most recognizable creations, typically bearing the "tb / Made in Italy" mark and prized for the way they merge craftsmanship, decorative refinement, and an unmistakable Italian design language.