Bruno Munari Bali table lamp Danese Italy 1958

An exceptionally rare and historically significant piece, this first-series ‘Bali’ table lamp, designed by the pioneering Bruno Munari and produced by Danese, Milan in 1958, is a landmark in the evolution of postwar lighting design. Far ahead of its time, Munari’s use of flexible vinyl for the shade marked a radical departure from traditional materials, anticipating the widespread adoption of plastics in lighting throughout the 1960s and beyond.

With its stripped-down form, honest construction, practical packaging, do it yourself assembly and delicate balance of materials, the ‘Bali’ lamp embodies Munari’s philosophy of simplicity, clarity, and functional beauty. Despite its seemingly minimal construction, every element of the design was carefully considered, from the arched vinyl diffuser and brass internal frame to the solid wooden base, which darkens gracefully with age.

This particular example, belonging to the very first production series, is extremely well-preserved, an exceptional feat given the inherent fragility of early flexible vinyl. Over time, most examples have suffered from corner cracking and material fatigue. This piece, by contrast, shows no damaging signs of age to the shade, retaining its structural integrity and developing a rich, authentic patina that enhances both its rarity and visual warmth. The wooden base only has 1 natural flaw to it which was always part of the lamp.

The vinyl shade, now softly ambered from years of natural light exposure, gives off a beautifully diffused, atmospheric glow when lit; warmer and more nuanced than newer editions. The brass frame has oxidized with a deep, organic patina, and the Danese stamp located on the interior of the frame confirms its early provenance, distinguishing it from later versions marked only by Danese CE stickers.

Highly sought-after and increasingly difficult to find, especially in this condition, this lamp represents a true collector’s gem and a pivotal moment in 20th-century Italian design. Functional, poetic, and ahead of its time, the ‘Bali’ is not just a lighting object, but a historical artifact, embodying the experimental spirit of an era that reshaped modern design.

An ideal acquisition for collectors, design historians, or architects seeking a piece of design history that resonates with both sculptural purity and material innovation.

Literature; Repertorio Del Design Italiano 195o~2000 Volume 1. Giuliana Gramigna, page 63
Danese Catalogue 1957/1976, page 27.

This lamp is checked in our own atelier, cleaned and is also suitable for use in the USA as is. For US usage we could change the plug, or you can get a converter if needed for a floor or table lamp with transformer in it.