Axel Chay Sphinx Table Lamp Blue Steel Double Globe Postmodern French Design

The Sphinx table lamp by Axel Chay is a sculptural lighting piece representative of contemporary French collectible design, produced circa 2019 and handcrafted in France.
Constructed in lacquered steel, the lamp is defined by a continuous tubular structure that forms a looping, calligraphic silhouette. Substantial in both scale and presence, the piece carries a physical weight of nearly 10 kilograms, reinforcing its identity as an object that exists between functional lighting and sculpture.
Two projecting arms extend from the main structure, each terminating in an opaline glass globe. These double-globe elements emit a soft, diffused light that contrasts with the precision and density of the steel body, creating a refined interplay between mass and illumination.
A distinctive feature of the design is its ability to be positioned in two different orientations. Depending on placement, the composition can shift from a more upright, architectural stance to a lower, more horizontal configuration, subtly altering both its visual presence and the direction of light.
The formal language draws from postmodern and Memphis-style influences, with a strong emphasis on geometric clarity, bold color, and sculptural expression. Its abstract composition and graphic presence place it within a broader movement of contemporary design objects that blur the boundaries between functional lighting and collectible sculpture.
This example is preserved in New Old Stock (NOS) condition, unused and exceptionally well maintained, with original finish and components intact. Its limited and design-led distribution, combined with its strong sculptural identity, positions it within the current landscape of contemporary collectible design.
Acquired from a contemporary design context and preserved in unused condition, this example reflects the growing presence of Axel Chay’s work within the collectible design field.