Mario Botta ‘Shogun’ Table Lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1986

The ‘Shogun’ table lamp, designed by Mario Botta for Artemide in 1986, embodies the visionary architect’s signature style of geometric precision and functional artistry. Crafted in Italy, this sculptural piece seamlessly combines form and function, making it a timeless icon of contemporary design.

Botta famously referred to lamps as “people,” remarking, “The Shogun is a person. It has a head, a body, and feet, and it even has a navel.” This philosophy is evident in the lamp’s bold yet harmonious composition. A striped black-and-white metal stem supports two perforated white metal shades that gently curve to diffuse light, casting intricate patterns of shadows and illumination. The shades are adjustable via two integrated handles, allowing for customizable lighting to suit any mood or setting.

Mario Botta (b. 1943) is celebrated for his architectural prowess and innovative furniture designs. After studying under luminaries like Carlo Scarpa and Louis I. Kahn at the Istituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia, Botta’s career flourished, spanning public buildings, private commissions, and iconic design pieces such as the ‘Shogun.’

This lamp is in impeccable, like-new condition—a rare find for collectors and enthusiasts. A masterpiece of modern design, it makes a striking addition to any interior.