Milanese designer and architect Achille Castiglioni sought to inject personality into all of his work, and found deep inspiration in everyday objects. A legend of Italian mid-century modernism, he created iconic, universally loved table lamps, chairs and other lighting and furniture with his likeminded brothers during the postwar years.
There was the Snoopy lamp, which brings to mind the unmistakable Peanuts character, while the shape of a common street lamp inspired the design behind the Arco floor lamp. Elsewhere, the Toio floor lamp — a provocative fixture in any living room — was made with automotive parts as well as run-of-the-mill recreational gear.
Castiglioni studied the classics at Liceo Classico Giuseppe Parini, art at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and finally architecture and design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. After graduating in 1944, Castiglioni began working with his brothers Pier Giacomo and Livio at the studio they cofounded with classmate Luigi Caccia Dominioni.
Livio left to pursue lighting design and sound technology, leaving Achille and Pier Giacomo to continue to collaborate on various projects. One such design was the iconic Taraxacum hanging lamp for FLOS which featured a resin “cocoon” created with sprayed plastic polymers that protects its steel core and allows for the diffusion of light.
Castiglioni won Italy’s highest award for industrial design — the Compasso d’Oro — seven times, and the Museum of Modern Art was home to his first individual retrospective in the United States. Castiglioni later taught at the Polytechnic University of Turin and at Polytechnic in Milan.
Castiglioni’s designs remain timeless. Some of them can be found in Tokyo’s Living Design Center Ozone, the Triennale di Milano and the Hangaram Art Museum at the Seoul Arts Center.
Find vintage Achille Castiglioni lighting, seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Achille Castiglioni Large Mid-Century Beige Flower "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large Mid-Century bell-flower shaped cocoon pendant in resin and brass. This gorgeous ceiling lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy duri...
Metal, Steel, Brass
Castiglioni Large Mid-Century Beige Ribbed "Cocoon" Flower Pendant, Italy, 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large Mid-Century flower-shaped cocoon pendant in resin with elegant scalloped edges. This incredibly stylish organic ceiling light was designed by Achille Casti...
Metal, Steel
Mid-Century Castiglioni Scalopped Cocoon Table Lamp with Wood Base, Italy 1960s
By Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique cocoon table lamp with a marvelous marbled finish and a ribbed silhouette. This stylish lamp was designed by Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960s. ...
Metal
Pair of Taraxacum Wall Sconces by Achille Castiglioni for FLOS
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of wall sconces made of five panels of molded aluminum covered with fifteen large bulbs, offering a very diffuse light hue. Designed by Achille Castiglioni for the Italian manuf...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Castiglioni Cocoon Table Lamp with Oak Wood Base, Italy 1960s
By Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century cocoon table lamp designed by Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1970s. This stylish table lamp has a round base in oak wood completed by a beige "...
Metal, Brass
Taccia Table Lamps by Achille Castiglioni, 1960s Italy
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set the mood with this gorgeous pair of large "Taccia" table lamps. Designed by Achille Castiglioni for the lighting manufacturer Flos, these robust objects stand as a testament to t...
Aluminum, Steel
"Relemme" Hanging Lamps by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, 1970s, set of 2
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
A pair of metal pendant lamps designed in the 1970s by Achille Castiglioni. Model: Relemme. Maximum height with cable: 100 cm. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age FOR SHIPPING, RE...
Metal
Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Turquoise by Achille Castiglioni
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Turquoise by Achille Castiglioni Its name means, literally, “bulb,” and it’s easy to see why with one look at this pla...
Stainless Steel
Bi Bip' Italian Floor Lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, 1976
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A minimal Italian floor lamp designed by Achille Castiglioni titled 'Bi Bip' with white ceramic half-dome base and head, a pivoting brushed metal shade and a wi...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Viscontea, Pendant Light, Flos
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos, Achille Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Paris, FR
Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1913-1968) Viscontea A resin and metal pendant light, the internal metal frame covered with a sprayed resin coated ...
Metal
Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Violet by Achille Castiglioni
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Violet by Achille Castiglioni Its name means, literally, “bulb,” and it’s easy to see why with one look at this playfu...
Stainless Steel
Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Green by Achille Castiglioni
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Green by Achille Castiglioni Its name means, literally, “bulb,” and it’s easy to see why with one look at this playf...
Stainless Steel
$6,626
H 47.25 in Dm 26.78 in
Viscontea Pendant Cocoon Light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1960s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Viscontea Pendant Cocoon Light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1960s Stunning "Viscontea" vintage pendant light of the early editions. Designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo ...
Metal
$1,735
H 19.1 in Dm 14.7 in
FLOS Taccia Small Table Lamp in Black by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Castiglioni brothers often created designs that challenged our perspective, and the Taccia, which gives the illusion of an upside-down hanging lamp, is an inspired example of tha...
Aluminum
$474Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.86 in Dm 18.12 in
Mid-Century Large Modernist, Mazzega Murano Pendant Lamp, by Carlo Nason, 1960s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Verviers, BE
By Carlo Nason for Mazzega This carefully made glass lampshade with streaks of green on a glass base and a delicate green edge along the ruffled edge provides the color contrast. The...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Mid-Century Round Cocoon Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is a cocoon hanging lamp crafted in Italy during the 1960s, showcasing the elegance and innovation of mid-century Italian design. The lamp features a strikingly beautiful round ...
Resin
'Parter' Sconce by Achille Castiglioni for FLOS
By Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Parter' Sconces by Achille Castiglioni for FLOS. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1970s. Opal white glass shells are paired with galvanized steel armatures. The sconces...
Steel
Giovi sconces designed by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 1982
By Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Milano, IT
These wonderful Giovi sconces, a masterpiece designed by the visionary Achille Castiglioni for Flos in 1982, are the perfect representation of a timeless and elegant lighting piece ...
Metal, Aluminum
$1,735 / item
H 19.1 in W 15 in D 15 in
FLOS Taccia Small Table Lamp in Bronze by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Castiglioni brothers often created designs that challenged our perspective, and the Taccia, which gives the illusion of an upside-down hanging lamp, is an inspired example of tha...
Aluminum
Large Gatto Beige Cocoon Table Lamps by Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent first edition large Gatto cocoon table lamps designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced by Flos in Italy during the 1960s. The lamps are signed inside....
Metal
$2,598
H 39.38 in Dm 14.97 in
German Mid-Century Cocoon Chandelier by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant, 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning German Cocoon chandelier. This chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1960s in Germany by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten. Body dimension is D 38...
Metal
Italian Cocoon Pendant, 1960s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Italian cocoon pendant from the 1960s. Custom design for a Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio, which included additional cocoon lamps by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Very ...
Steel
1960s Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo 'Light Ball' Table Lamp
By Flos, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo 'Light Ball' Table Lamp. Originially designed in 1965 as a wall lamp, this rare table lamp variant is executed in attractively patinated bras...
Brass
$1,307
H 10.44 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp by Achille Castiglioni, Italy, 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp by Achille Castiglioni, Italy, 1960s.
Resin
Achille Castiglioni for Flos Set of Two 'Bip-Bip' Floor Lamps
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Achille Castiglioni for Flos, set of two 'Bip- Bip' floor lamps, made in aluminium and porcelain, Italy, 1976. These two skinny floor lamps are s...
Aluminum
Sold
H 8.67 in Dm 8.27 in
Pair of Mid-Century Castiglioni Cocoon Table Lamps with Oak Base, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of Mid-Century cocoon table lamps designed by Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1970s. These stylish table lamps have a round base in oak wood completed ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Cocoon Cream Base Table Lamp by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful Mid-Century cocoon table lamp with a cream colored plastic base. This incredibly sylish and unique table lamp was designed by Castiglioni and produced by Flos in Italy dur...
Metal
Sold
H 8.67 in Dm 8.27 in
Pair of Mid-Century Castiglioni Cocoon Table Lamps with Oak Base, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of Mid-Century cocoon table lamps designed by Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1970s. These stylish table lamps have a round base in oak wood completed ...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 8.67 in Dm 8.27 in
Mid-Century Cocoon Gilt Base Table Lamp by Castiglioni Brothers, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century cocoon table lamp with a gold metal base. This rare table lamp was designed by Castiglioni and produced by Flos in Italy during the 1960s. This wonderful table ...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 22.05 in Dm 13.39 in
Large Table Lamp "Gatto" by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Table lamp designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni . Large Model Gatto. Stamped Flos inside. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Metal
Sold
H 20.48 in Dm 26.38 in
Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Viscontea, Pendant Light Flos
By Flos, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Paris, FR
Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1913-1968) Viscontea A resin and metal pendant light, the internal metal frame covered with a sprayed resin coated shad...
Metal
Pair of Cocoon Gilt Base Table Lamps by Castiglioni Brothers, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of cocoon table lamps with gilt metal base. These rare table lamps were designed by Achille Castiglioni in Italy during the 1960s. This gorgeous pair of table lamps feature a gold metal base with a beige "cocoon" lampshade with an amazing patina. The lampshade is made in a soft natural resin mounted over a round steel frame. The contrast between the gold base and the round beige shades is extremely elegant. When lit the effect is simply breathtaking. The lamps are in amazing conditions with no rips, they come wired and tested and have an E14 socket, compatible with both US and EU standards. A lovely pair of organic table lamps...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 24.41 in W 15.75 in D 16.54 in
"Teli" hanging lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1973
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Hanging lamp in fabric and metal. Model: "Teli" by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Metal
Taraxacum hanging lamp by Achille &Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Taraxacum hanging lamp in metal and resin by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1960. Good condition. Height of the hanging lamp with cable: ...
Metal
Cocoon Hanging Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in bruxelles, BE
Cocoon chandelier by Achille Castiglioni for Flos in 1960s. Good condition. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Metal
Cocoon Hanging Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in bruxelles, BE
Cocoon chandelier by Achille Castiglioni for Flos in 1960s. Good condition. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Metal