Nesso Lamp Value Guide

The Nesso Lamp is a definitive symbol of the 1960s Space Age aesthetic, designed by Giancarlo Mattioli and Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Città Nuova. Its revolutionary mushroom shape and vibrant orange polycarbonate body earned it first prize at the 1965 Studio Artemide Domus competition, securing its place in design history.

What affects the value of Nesso Lamp?

• Condition of the polycarbonate, specifically looking for the absence of heat-related warping or cracks near the bulb sockets.
• Color vibrancy, as prolonged UV exposure can cause the signature orange hue to fade or become brittle over time.
• Originality of internal components, including the presence of the original chrome-plated metal hardware and wiring.
• Provenance and age, with early 1960s and 1970s production models typically commanding higher prices than contemporary reissues.

How to Identify Nesso Lamp?

• Check for the Artemide manufacturer mark and designer name 'G. Mattioli' embossed on the underside of the base.
• Verify the material is high-quality injection-molded polycarbonate which produces a warm, diffused glow when illuminated.
• Ensure the lamp features the correct four-bulb socket configuration designed to distribute light evenly across the wide umbrella shade.
• Look for the 'Made in Italy' stamp, which distinguishes authentic production from modern generic replicas.

History of Nesso Lamp

The Nesso lamp was designed by Giancarlo Mattioli and Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Citt\u00e0 Nuova for Artemide in 1967. It quickly became a symbol of innovative design and the Space Age aesthetic, winning the first prize at the Studio Artemide Domus competition in 1965. Its organic, flowing lines and bold color made it a design icon, still produced and celebrated today.