Cuboluce lamp, Bettonica & Melocchi, red plastic (1970s)

Closed, it's a perfectly well-behaved red cube. Opened, it's a lamp. Imagined in 1972 by Franco Bettonica for Cini & Nils, the Cuboluce hides its switch where you least expect it: simply lift the lid for the light to turn on. Depending on the angle of the lid, the beam narrows for reading or opens up for ambient light. Such a simple idea that MoMA has included it in its permanent collection. Under the base, the molded plate bears the inscription "Cini & Nils, design: OPI milano, patent pending, made in Italy." This "patent pending" indicates a piece from the early years of production, made while its patent was still being filed. Neither a replica nor a recent reissue: an original Cuboluce, as it was produced in the 1970s. Designer: Franco Bettonica and Mario Melocchi, OPI Milano. Publisher: Cini & Nils. Model: Cuboluce. Origin: Italy. Era: 1970s, first production. Marking: Cini & Nils, design: OPI milano, patent pending (molded plate under the base) Materials: red plastic. Dimensions: H 11 × W 10 × D 10 cm. Condition: very good condition. Delivery in Europe and hand delivery in Brussels. 📍 Brussels.