The tenth anniversary of Davide Groppi’s Sampei lamp

15 October 2021

A subtle graphic stroke, reduced to a minimum. This is the first visual impression transmitted by the Sampei lamp, a surprising project conceived by Enzo Calabrese and Davide Groppi in 2011. It presents itself as an essential, minimalist, almost invisible element, yet it hides a surprising complexity and richness of design. The inspiration comes from the fishing rod, from which it takes two characteristics: telescopic elongation and flexibility. It is in fact a telescopic floor lamp that in the shorter version can reach a height of 230cm and in the longest version reaches 440cm: it therefore becomes very high, to the point of being assimilated, for the function it performs, to suspension lamp.

The base is extremely simple: circular, with a diameter that can be 39cm or 49cm. From it starts a supple stem, which intensely recalls a blade of grass and not only in its shape. The structure, when stressed, flexes and moves slightly, creating an enchanting dynamic of light and shadow. Like a bamboo cane moved by the wind, thin and strong at the same time. The stem is made of carbon fiber which allows the lamp to move but not lose structure even in the higher version. On top of the stem a small but powerful light source with dimmer and adjustable reflector makes it functional and versatile.

And here the design complexity emerges and is appreciated because it works at the service of a surprising formal purity. It is a minimalist lamp with important performances, suitable for different contexts because it is discreet, subtle, but has a well-defined and very interesting personality.

Not surprisingly, in 2014, the project won the Compasso d’Oro for its ability to be a suspension and floor lamp at the same time. A recognition of the complexity of the project from which, by contrast, an extreme aesthetic simplicity arises.

In 2021 Sampei turns ten and establishes itself as an authentic contemporary icon, suitable for family and professional, domestic and formal contexts. Flexibility of use is in fact one of the most relevant features today in the choice of furniture and lights, and reflects the flexibility required of our lives and the environments in which they flow.

On the occasion of this anniversary, Davide Groppi introduces a special limited edition series: Sampei Limited Edition is made with golden finish details and engraved serial number. Small details that make the difference, reflecting the poetics of the brand which finds its most characteristic expression precisely in its essentiality, attention to detail and enchantment.

That simple graphic line, inspired by the ancient ritual of fishing, has become a refined and prestigious example of lighting design. In an interior it stands out but with great discretion, it is a passpartout that enriches the whole but does not bind in the choice of style, materials and colors.

Perfect on its own, the lamp creates interesting graphic motifs when combined with several elements and has the great advantage of exploiting the height without invading the available space.

An intelligent and poetic, functional and elegant and therefore timeless project.

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