1950/60, Italy

Rare and exclusive disk light with 3 candle holder-style light elements, attributable to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte in the 1940s.
Its captivating design, rarity and recognisability make it an exclusive piece in the history of design.

Condition: very good

Material: sand-etched, curved crystal and glossy, lacquered brass.

Measurements:
height 100 cm,
crystal disc diameter 42 cm


History:
In 1933, Ponti and Fontana founded Fontana Arte, a dedicated company division specialising in the creation of artistic items in crystal glass. A noteworthy and important evolutionary step occurred in the following year, when Fontana Arte acquired a small Milanese company in 1933 owned by Pietro Chiesa, which specialised in working with crystal sheets and artistic glass; the company was highly acclaimed and Chiesa's skills were well-known to Ponti. The new collaboration gave life to a new powerful synergy between Ponti, Chiesa and Fontana that would carry the company to new world heights in the sector, thanks not only the the creative skills of the designers but also to the technology they developed, and to the highly-innovative tools they used - such as a special oven, unique to Italy, for the production of glass sheets of any curvature.
On the recommendation of Ponti himself, the artistic direction was entrusted to Pietro Chiesa, and during this years the company acquired a certain international notoriety, specialising in highly elaborate handmade products. Products by the company were of a considerably artistic style right from the start, and the creations of Ponti and Chiesa included a diverse range of items, but all still characterised by high production costs and an entirely handmade production process. The company's products were very successful, as shown by reviews from magazines in that industry, and by their regular participation in important events such as the Venice Biennial, the Milan Triennial, and other events in the most important European capitals.