Orbiter suspension lamp by Raak Amsterdam

• Max H 110 cm × Ø 50 cm
• Slight signs of wear on the plexiglass (visible micro-scratches, see photos)

Orbiter Pendant Lamp by Raak Amsterdam, an icon of 1950s Dutch design

The Orbiter pendant lamp, created by Raak Amsterdam in the late 1950s, is one of the Dutch manufacturer’s most iconic models. Its acrylic globe, available at the time in various shades (clear, amber yellow, azure blue, or smoky brown), consists of two half-shells held by a metal ring around a central core that softly diffuses light. This simple, precise construction illustrates a lighting approach based on material clarity and perfect proportions.

The evolution of this model reflects the brand’s design journey. Introduced as the Orbiter in Raak catalogue No. 4 (1958), the pendant became the Sphere in 1962, then Roger in 1968, before adopting the name Lunar in 1978. Technical references also evolved, changing from model B-1171 to B-1151, marking different production phases.

Founded in 1954 by Carel O. Lockhorn, a former Philips employee, Raak quickly established itself as a major player in modernist lighting. The manufacturer developed an aesthetic that was both organic and futuristic, combining glass, metal, and molded plastics to create simple, instantly recognizable forms.

The Orbiter pendant lamp fully embodies this approach: an essential form, diffused light, and a sculptural presence that fits naturally into both contemporary interiors and modernist settings.

Source: vintageinfo.be