Maya: A Luminary Echo of Ancient Mesoamerica

Alexey Danilin's Pendant Lamp Marries History with Modernity

Inspired by the rich jewelry art of ancient Mesoamerican cultures, designer Alexey Danilin introduces Maya, a pendant lamp collection that encapsulates the essence of a bygone era with a contemporary twist.

The Maya collection pays homage to the intricate craftsmanship and religious significance of Mesoamerican ornaments. Tapping into the spiritual connection these cultures had with gold, Danilin has skillfully translated this into the design of the lamps. The inverted crescent moon silhouette, a recurring motif in Mesoamerican jewelry, forms the foundational shape of the Maya collection. The faceted glass elements of the lamps serve as a modern representation of the precious stones that once adorned the artifacts of ancient civilizations.

Distinctive for its golden hue and polygonal glass framing, the Maya lamp collection stands out for its ability to refract and reflect light in a dazzling array of patterns. This interplay of light and shadow is not only a visual spectacle but also a symbolic gesture towards the revered gemstones of the past. The suspended lamp, hanging elegantly on two wires, is anchored by a decorative cylindrical element, enhancing its jewelry-like appearance.

Maya's realization is a testament to the fusion of traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The lamp's structure is crafted from metal, with LED light sources on either side softened by matte diffusers for a warm, ambient glow. Transparent cast glass, etched with geometric motifs, encapsulates the light, creating a mesmerizing dance of luminosity and design.

The technical specifications of Maya reflect a commitment to quality and functionality. With a color temperature of 3000 K and a color rendering index of 85 CRI, the lamp provides a flattering illumination. Its scattering angle of 120 degrees ensures a broad dispersion of light, suitable for a variety of interior settings. The lamp's adjustable height allows for versatile installations, from intimate residential spaces to grand hospitality venues.

Maya is not only a lighting fixture but also an interactive piece of art. The ability to create layered compositions with the suspended lamps offers endless possibilities for personalized lighting landscapes. The resulting asymmetrical light effects can transform any room into a canvas of abstract light patterns, reminiscent of the storied past from which Maya draws its inspiration.

Behind Maya's enchanting design lies extensive research into the cultural and artistic heritage of Mesoamerica. Danilin and his team delved into the symbolism, materials, and silhouettes that defined the jewelry art of these ancient cultures. The challenge was to distill this rich history into a design that would resonate with contemporary sensibilities while preserving the integrity of its inspiration. The result is a collection that not only illuminates spaces but also tells a story of tradition, artistry, and reverence.

Maya's recognition with the Silver A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2024 is a testament to its innovative design and cultural significance. This accolade celebrates Maya as a beacon of design excellence, merging the past with the present in a harmonious symphony of light and history.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Alexey Danilin
Image Credits: Maytoni GmbH
Project Team Members: Lead designer: Alexey Danilin, Engineer: Nikita Morozov, Product managers: Natalia Danilova, Elena Slivka, Assistant product managers: Karim Tabishchev, Anastasia Orlova, Photographer Vlad Buk.
Project Name: Maya
Project Client: Maytoni


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