Beautiful vintage floor lamp model ‘Pinocchio’, designed by Herman Th.J.A. Busquet and produced by Hala Zeist in the early 1950s. Although the Pinocchio is primarily known as a desk lamp, the floor lamp was in production for only a short time, making this specific model relatively rare.
The Pinocchio emerged during a period when Dutch design was strongly influenced by post-war modernism. Heavy and decorative designs gradually gave way to light, functional objects, with ease of use, clear forms, and honest materials at the forefront. The Pinocchio is a striking example of this.
The design is characterized by the adjustable arm construction, which allows the light direction to be easily adjusted as desired. This flexibility makes the lamp particularly suitable as a reading or work lamp, without compromising on design. This is typical of Busquet’s approach to functional design.
The slender metal frame gives the lamp a light appearance, while the red shade provides a beautiful contrast and immediately catches the eye. The small star-shaped perforations in the shade form a subtle detail that adds a touch of playfulness to the austere design and creates an atmospheric lighting effect when the lamp is lit.
With its distinctive insect-like leg, clean lines, and well-thought-out engineering, the Pinocchio is a beautiful example of pure Dutch design. A design that, more than seventy years later, still looks fresh, functional, and surprisingly modern. The shade shows some distortion but is generally still in good condition. The base shows light signs of use.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsRedMaterialMetalNumber of items1Height170 cmWidth30 cmDepth30 cmSigns of usageDents