Mid-Century Red Ceiling Lamp by Josef Hurka for Napako, 1960s

Description

This is an original 1960’s piece designed by Josef Hurka and is labelled Model No. 1117/3. It was produced by … more This is an original 1960’s piece designed by Josef Hurka and is labelled Model No. 1117/3. It was produced by Napako Company in Czechoslovakia.

This light is fixed to the ceiling with a oval steel bar and at the very top, a red cover to hide the wiring. The main round body of the lamp consists of three horizontally placed bulbs. These are hidden inside the red steel round structure and covered by a cream coloured glass from underneath. This solution means that the light is distributed both ways - down into the room below through the glass, and also casting light up onto the ceiling.

The frame itself is a bevelled oval shape, which together with the red colour adds a simple but expressive form to the whole piece. The glass is held by a steel button and can be easily removed when changing the bulbs.

Josef Hurka, the designer of this piece, is considered as the most talented and most successful Czech lightning designer of the second part of the 20th Century.

Hurka worked for Napako Company since the 1940’s until 1970’s and during this period designed many floor, desk or ceiling lights that were very popular, commercially successful and many are now consider as Czech design icons. Hurka was influenced by the pre-war Czech Modernist aesthetics and was great in designing pieces that had minimal, clean forms. Later Hurka’s work was also influenced by Scandinavian and Mid Century design, with more organic and colourful forms. Hurka was brilliant in combining aesthetics with the factory production requirements.

This lamp is in great vintage condition. There is only some minimal wear on the red frame and there is no visible damage on the glass. The steel bottom has got some patina. All parts are original and are fully functional. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution,
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. less