French Petal Motif Floor Lamp Attributed to Maison Rispal, 1960s

A French petal motif floor lamp from the 1960s, attributed to Maison Rispal.

Made in France, the lamp is defined by its softly rounded, pleated acrylic shade, whose fine vertical folds create a rhythmic surface and diffuse the light with a warm, atmospheric glow. The shade takes on the character of an abstracted flower, giving the minimal form a distinctly organic presence.

A slender black lacquered metal frame rises beneath it, narrowing the visual weight of the piece and allowing the shade to appear almost suspended. The sweeping lines of the base introduce a sense of movement, while the dark finish provides a crisp contrast to the luminous acrylic above.

The proportions give it a sculptural quality when unlit, while illumination transforms the shade into its focal point. Positioned beside a chair, sofa, or console, it brings both ambient light and a strong graphic presence to the room.

About Maison Rispal
Rispal was founded in Paris in 1924 by Georges Léon Rispal, a lighting manufacturer whose company initially produced more traditionally styled fixtures. In the early 1950s, Rispal introduced its influential Formes Nouvelles collection, featuring sculptural lighting inspired by Scandinavian design and the work of artists such as Jean Arp. The collection was distinguished by organic forms, wood, opaline glass, and innovative cellulose acetate shades, with modular components that allowed architects and decorators to create their own configurations. Among its most recognizable designs is the organic “Praying Mantis” lamp, created by Rispal’s in-house design team. The company ceased production in 1982, and much of its original documentation and tooling was subsequently lost.

In 2018, lighting designer and Rispal collector Douglas Mont, together with Clément Bergès and Georgette Rispal, revived the brand and began reissuing its iconic designs. The contemporary Rispal collection is produced entirely in France, combining traditional craftsmanship with updated materials and techniques while preserving the distinctive spirit of the original Formes Nouvelles designs.