Parentesi

Borne out of a 1971 collaboration between Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù, the Parentesi was named for the parenthesis symbol-a visual reference to the nickel-plated shaped tube that lives on a floor-to-ceiling steel cable. The steel cable can reach up to 157", and the tube allows the lamp head to move vertically along the cable to achieve a customized height. The head fixture is injection-molded black elastomer, equipped with a switch. The Parentesi provides direct lighting and is available in black, nickel, or red. Note: Lamp bulb and dimmer are sold separately. Inspiration behind the design: "Pio Manzù had the original idea for Parentiesi," explains Achille Castiglioni. "He thought up a fixed vertical boom and a cylindrical box with a slot for the light, which went up and down: you stopped it with a screw. He replaced the boom with a metal cord that, when bent, creates friction and enables the lamp to be in position without requiring any screws."