Nicolas Aubagnac
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LUNA
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the gold of Mycenae
a mythical king
The Luna lamp was inspired by the discovery of a major archaeological piece: the mask of Agamemnon.
In Greek mythology, Agamemnon was the king of Mycenae. A member of the House of Atreus, he commanded the Achaean armies during the famous Trojan War recounted by Homer in the Iliad.
This gold mask fascinated me because it's a single sheet of gold that appears to have been delicately hammered into the shape of a face with refined features. The gold itself lends this object a mysterious quality.
The Luna lamp was also delicately hammered to achieve this particular texture, which the gold leaf then makes vibrate.
Perhaps an object for the archaeology of the future?
lampshade: taffeta
eternal gold
The Luna lamp showcases two traditional skills of the Decorative Arts: artistic ironwork and gold leaf decoration on steel.
To decorate the Luna lamp, the gilder applies 24-carat gold leaf, 0.000125 millimeters thick, to the metal…
This is how architectural elements on monuments and castle gates are gilded.
The gilder uses a sable brush to pick up each gold leaf without tearing it.
It is a work of patience and precision.
But since gold is incorruptible, the final object will retain its shine forever.
