Bagdad Portable lamp – Orange - Gubi

The Bagdad lamp, designed by Mathieu Matégot in 1954 and reissued by Gubi, is an iconic piece of 50s design. Inspired by oriental lanterns, it embodies Matégot's bold style, blending cubist aesthetics, industrial materials and playful modernity. Reissued in a portable version, it continues to captivate with its sculptural character and versatility.

Design and features

The Bagdad lamp is distinguished by its structure in rigitulle, a perforated sheet bent using Matégot's signature technique, creating a metallic lace effect. Shaped like a 20-sided triangular icosahedron with a pyramidal “tail”, it evokes a cubist comet. The portable version, half the size of the original (H 36 cm x W 18 cm x D 18 cm), is available in three colors: black, white and international orange. Each triangular face can be used as a base, allowing multiple orientations for a play of ambient light and atmospheric shadows.

Equipped with an integrated LED (2-4W, 250 lm) and a three-level touch dimmer (activated by a brass ball at the top), it offers 8 hours of autonomy at full intensity, 15 hours at 50%, and 50 hours at 10%, after a 3-hour charge. IP44-rated for outdoor use (if kept dry), its UV-resistant coating and handle (the reduced tail) make it a versatile luminaire for interiors and exteriors.

Background and heritage

Mathieu Matégot (1910-2001), a naturalized French designer from Hungary, revolutionized design in the 50s with his innovative use of perforated sheet metal. After studying in Budapest and a varied career in Paris (decorating, tapestry), he founded his own studio in 1945, exploring materials such as metal and rattan. The Bagdad lamp, created in 1954, was inspired by Middle Eastern lanterns, reinterpreted with a futuristic aesthetic, reflecting his interest in geometric shapes and cultural influences. Exhibited at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, it is a milestone in his work.

The Bagdad's design, with its “cubist comet” allure, is in keeping with the space age of the '50s, sharing a thematic kinship with Matégot's Satellite lamp, also reissued by Gubi. Its blend of traditional craftsmanship and industrial modernity influenced post-war design, making Matégot a key figure alongside the likes of Prouvé and Perriand. Gubi's re-edition perpetuates this heritage, modernizing the lamp for contemporary interiors.

Manufactured by Gubi

Gubi, a Danish publisher founded in 1967, has reissued the Bagdad lamp with a precision faithful to the original, while adapting it to modern uses. Made from perforated steel with a UV-resistant powder-coated finish, the portable version incorporates a functional brass ball (dimmer) and rechargeable battery, preserving Matégot's aesthetic while adding contemporary technology. Each lamp is assembled to guarantee perfect geometry and optimum light diffusion.

Committed to sustainability, Gubi uses responsibly sourced materials and low-impact processes, such as certified outdoor coatings. The Bagdad lamp illustrates Gubi's expertise in re-editing classics, offering a piece that is both sculptural and practical, honoring Matégot's visionary genius while fitting into today's spaces.