Clair Obscur Wall Lights from Raak, 1960s, Set of 2

About This Piece

Vintage Design

Rare pair of “Clair Obscur” sconces (model: C-1516) designed by the Raak Design Team in 1962. Light creeps where it cannot go. with piercing beams it peeps out of red copper pipes and at the same time it quietly radiates up and down from the black metal triangular body. A play of bright – dark, of clair – obscur. Especially beautiful in arrangement of two or three back to back. The condition of these vintage sconces is still good and original with normal signs of use; small scratches (see photos). Dimensions: h x w x d = 20 x 27 x 16 cm. Marked: Raak, C1516, Amsterdam, made in Holland. Source: Raak catalog 6 page 20.

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Creator	Raak Design Team
Manufacturer	Raak
Design Period	1960 to 1969
Production Period	1960 to 1969
Country of Manufacture	Netherlands
Identifying Marks	This piece has an attribution mark
Style	Vintage
Detailed Condition	Good — This vintage/antique item may have some wear such as scratches and other signs of ageing.
	A professional electrician has confirmed this piece is in working order.
Restoration and Damage Details	Light wear consistent with age and use
Product Code	ZT-1860430
Materials	Copper, Metal
Color	Black, copper
Width	27 cm 27 cm
Depth	16 cm 16 cm
Height	20 cm 20 cm

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from	Netherlands
Returns	Returns accepted within fourteen days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

Sustainability

Carbon Neutral	For every purchase made, Pamono offsets 100% of estimated carbon emissions from global shipping.
Vintage	Choosing vintage and antique furniture reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on waste and reduces demand for new materials and extends the life of the products we use.

Delivery Details

Delivery will be completed by a parcel service such as UPS, DHL, or FedEx.
You will receive a tracking number to monitor the status of your shipment.
Delivery will take place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine the packaging upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damaged packaging, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note, take pictures, and—if the item inside shows damages—contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations regarding damaged packaging represents your acceptance of the completed order in perfect condition.

About the Maker

Raak

Founded in 1954 by Carel O. Lockhorn, Raak is recognized as one of the most important Dutch lighting manufacturers of the 20th century. Before launching his business in Amsterdam, Lockhorn had worked for lighting giant Philips in Eindhoven (where he later opened a second Raak outlet). Raak's tagline was “Illuminated Architecture”—Lichtarchitectuur in Dutch—which emphasized the brand's commitment to producing designs that integrate harmoniously with sophisticated, high concept interiors. Raak’s glass and metal , floor lamps, pendants, and wall lights achieved an aesthetic that was both elegant and futuristic through high quality materials with innovative forms.

In the 1960s, Raak began collaborating with the well-known artist and glassmaker Willem van Oyen. While the marriage of art and industry was common in the Netherlands—where the lines between the creative professions were often blurred and many artists also worked as designers—the results of van Oyen's contributions Raak were far from ordinary. Raak promoted Van Oyen’s iconic, handcrafted Chartres Wall Lights (c.1964) as smeltschilderijen, or "melted paintings,." The series was inspired by the magnificent stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral in France.

Raak regularly collaborated with international designers and architects, including E. J. (Evert Jelle) Jelles, Sergio Asti, Bertrand Balas, and Nanny Still. Two of Raak’s most celebrated lamps are the cylindrical, metal Fuga Lamp by Maija-Liisa Komulainen (c.1970) and the super simple, glass Globe 2000 Floor Lamp by Frank Ligtelijn (1961). Following its quick success, the Globe 2000 was produced as a pendant and wall lamp as well. Its minimalist aesthetic is an excellent example of Raak’s signature style and has become a vintage classic.

In 1974, Lockhorn sold the company but remained a director until 1977. In 1999, the company became a part of the Centre for Light Architecture in Drachten.

One of the most significant lighting firms of the postwar period and a key contributor to the "Space Age" style of the 1960s and '70s, Raak lamps are highly sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts around the world.