Empress Wu: A Lamp Inspired by Ming Tradition

A Contemporary Design with Cultural Significance

The designers were captivated by the profile of the back of Ming chairs, which they identified as a special line closely linked to the Ming tradition. They transformed this line into a wooden profile that embraces a bright sphere, symbolizing the centuries-old Chinese devotion to the moon as an abstract idea and a natural element of life.

What sets the Empress Wu lamp apart is its direct, dry, and intelligent concept. It eschews unnecessary decoration, instead opting for elegance and refinement through the use of carefully selected natural materials. The lamp's design immediately identifies the type of production it refers to, making it a truly original piece that has never been seen before.

The lamp is crafted using classic materials, with opal glass and curved wood available in three different versions: natural mahogany, lacquered red China, and black. It comes in two sizes, with diameters of 250 mm and 450 mm, allowing for versatility in various spaces.

Designed to be available in five different versions - Wall Lamp, Ceiling Lamp, Hanging Lamp, Table Lamp, and Floor Lamp - the Empress Wu lamp offers coordination and style in any room. Its flexibility allows for a cohesive aesthetic throughout the space.

The Empress Wu lamp was developed in Milan over the course of a week in September 2017 for the WDC tender. It represents an opportunity to bridge cultural traditions from different geographic areas, promoting integration and peaceful coexistence. By combining elements from different cultures, this lamp serves as a symbol of unity and cultural exchange.

The designers faced the challenge of finding a formal solution to blend the millenary Ming tradition with a contemporary European language. The result is a lamp that is simple yet powerful in its message. It serves as a reminder of the importance of building cultural bridges between the past, present, and future.

The Empress Wu lamp, with its clean lines and natural materials, is not only a functional lighting fixture but also a design object that carries a significant cultural narrative. It exemplifies the power of design to create connections and foster understanding between different cultures.

Image Credits: Andrea Croci, 2017

Awards and Accolades: The Empress Wu lamp was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Empress Wu lamp stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.