Mid-century sun ceiling lamp in gilded metal with leaf rays, 1950s

This sun-shaped ceiling lamp was manufactured in the 1950s, during the mid-century fascination with sun and star shapes that spread throughout lighting design of the era. A domed centre in gilded metal holds two levels of leaf-shaped rays of alternating length, creating a stepped and dynamic silhouette, as sculptural as it is functional. The gilding shows wear and patina typical of the passage of time, with darker tones appearing on the dome and several of the rays. The piece includes two light points with E26/E27 sockets, ready to be installed in the United States. Its size and radial shape make it suitable for a dining room, hallway or bedroom, and it works just as well mounted flat on a wall as a centrepiece. Sun lamps like this were frequently produced during the 1950s and 60s, when mid-century design incorporated the solar motif into furniture, mirrors and lighting, and this example retains the handcrafted and slightly irregular finish typical of pieces from that era, rather than a later reproduction. Diameter 60 cm (23.6 in), Height 10 cm (3.9 in).