Gubi Silk Lantern Floor Lamp

The Silk Lantern dates from 1951, when Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen presented the design at the Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition. It did not go into production then. For the floor lamp, the pair used a long silk shade with walnut veneer and a steel base. The lantern shape was influenced by Japanese lighting.

The cylindrical shade is formed from natural silk, with walnut veneer rings framing the textile above and below. As the lamp is illuminated, the silk gently diffuses the light across its surface into an intimate gradient of brightness and shadow, while the lacquered steel structure provides architectural definition and allows the shade to appear almost floating.

For the Floor Lamp, the lightness of the silk shade is balanced by the grounded presence of its steel base, creating the contrast between delicacy and weight described by GUBI as giving the design its quiet poise. The lamp is operated by an in-line switch on its cable and is non-dimmable. Best suited to living rooms, bedrooms, reading areas, and other interiors where soft atmospheric light is required.