Frine Table lamp by Studio Tetrarch for Artemide, 1960s

Frine Table lamp by Studio Tetrarch (composed of designers: Adelaide Bonati, Silvio Bonatti, Enrico De Munari and Carla Federspiel) for Artemide, in 1968.

The lamp consists of three plastic flap screens that resemble flower petals and an opalescent glass sphere. A special feature of the model is the built-in motor that enables to slowly open or close the petals as desired.

The system works, but not perfectly and occasionally needs manual assistance. The electrically operated opening has only been tested on 220 volts. Whether it also works in countries with a lower or higher voltage is unknown.

Closed diameter: 30 cm / 12 inch. and open span: around 50 cm / 20 inch.

Rare piece.

The lamp by Studio Tetrarch is featured in Giuliana Gramigna’s ‘Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000’ on page 185 (1970).

Attribution

• Designer:
  Studio Tetrarch
• Manufacturer:
  Artemide
• Model / Name:
  Frine
• Design period:
  1968
• Year of production:
  1970s
• Country:
  Italy

Character

• Materials:
  Polycarbonate, Opalescent Glass
• Techniques:
  Electrically operated opening
• Condition:
  Good vintage condition
• Colour:
  Green, White
• Height:
  31 cm / 13 inch
• Diameter:
  30 cm / 12 inch
• Bulb type:
  Max 1 x 100 Watt

Shipping

• Weight:
  4.8 kg / 11 lb
• Ships from:
  Rotterdam, The Netherlands
• Product code:
  1820464