Parentesi
Made by Flos
Conceived in 1971 by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù, the Parentesi takes its name from the parenthesis symbol, a direct reference to the nickel-plated tube that brackets a taut, floor-to-ceiling steel cable. The cable extends up to 157 inches. The tube slides freely along it, placing the lamp head at any height without tools or hardware.
The lamp head is injection-molded black elastomer, chosen for its grip, resilience, and formal precision. A built-in switch is integrated into the fixture itself. The result is a lamp that makes no contact with the wall, casts direct light wherever the moment demands, and leaves almost no visual footprint in a room.
- Floor-to-ceiling steel cable tension system, up to 157 inches
- Nickel-plated tube slides vertically along the cable
- Injection-molded black elastomer lamp head
- Integrated switch within the fixture
Pio Manzù died in a car accident in 1969, before the lamp entered production. Castiglioni saw the project through to completion, and the Parentesi has remained in continuous production ever since, a rare example of a design solution that has never needed revision.
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Parentesi
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Parentesi attach to the floor and ceiling?
The Parentesi uses a tensioned steel cable that runs from floor to ceiling, secured at both ends without wall fixings. The cable can span up to 157 inches, accommodating most residential and commercial ceiling heights.
Can the lamp head height be adjusted after installation?
Yes. The nickel-plated tube slides freely along the tensioned cable, allowing the lamp head to be repositioned at any height by hand, with no tools or additional hardware required.
Who designed the Parentesi, and what is its history?
The Parentesi was conceived by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù around 1970 and introduced by Flos in 1971. Manzù passed away before the lamp reached production; Castiglioni completed the project, and it has remained in continuous production since its debut.
What material is the Parentesi lamp head made from?
The lamp head is injection-molded black elastomer, selected for its ability to grip the cable securely, resist wear, and hold precise geometric form over time.
Is the Parentesi suitable for high-ceiling spaces?
The cable system accommodates ceiling heights up to 157 inches, making it well suited to loft spaces, double-height rooms, and commercial interiors where conventional floor lamps would appear undersized.