The lamp shades are included in the ‘Area 50’ series of table, floor, wall and ceiling lamps designed by Mario Bellini in 1974 for Artemide. Bellini says he designed the lamps in relation to the immaterial nature of light, so rather than creating an object, Bellini wanted to reduce these lamps to a synthesis of gesture and effect.

His ‘Area 50’ series is part of the permanent collection of Italian design at the MoMA in New York City.

The pendant chandelier shades are early examples with a soft patina across the synthetic fabric.