Timeless design never goes out of style, and it seems its memories stay close to us. Designer Jaume Ramírez explores the archetypal table luminaire, in which a conical shade distributes light evenly, with the Fragile lamp for Marset. Ramírez’s experimentation begins with a more streamlined shape that’s a mix of geometric forms – cone, sphere, and cylinder join together to emit ambient light from within.

While Fragile’s shape is familiar, its material composition is unexpected. Glass – available in amber or transparent colorways –  not only reveals the light source and allows for a warm illumination, but also speaks to how the lamp assimilates with its surroundings. There it stands – unencumbered – with nothing to hide.

Fragile manages to marry past and present with its lighting design, bringing to mind the oil lamps and candles of yesteryear. But in this case, Ramírez’s use of glass expresses the fragility of the present moment. Who knew that a standard lamp could surprise us yet again?

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated held up by ropes

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated balanced between two rocks

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated balanced between two pieces of wood

three all glass lamps with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated on pedestals in front of an olive green backdrop

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated in a styled living space

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated in a styled commercial space

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade on a white background

Transparent

all glass lamp with round base and cone-shaped shade illuminated on a table in front of an olive green backdrop

Amber

To learn more about Fragile Lamp, visit marset.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.