Ruskii and Ruskii Twist are two exquisite pendant lamps inspired by the St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square, dating back to 1560. No wonder that Italy-based designer Enrico Zanolla tried to capture the charming uniqueness of the cathedral’s towers in a fascinating suspension lamp duo. Reminiscent of the flame-shaped religious building in Moscow’s geometric center, these two lighting systems – Ruskii and Ruskii Twist – were created in collaboration with Toronto-based company Viso Inc.
First presented during the Light+Building 2012 (world’s largest trade fair for lighting and intelligent buildings) in Frankfurt, Germany, these two lamps were the result of creative observation during the designer’s stay in Russia, where he studied the constructive system of the domes. Using 3D CAD, the imagined lamps became reality when crafters used ceramic to bring them to life. Available in white and black glazing for an elegant outcome or silver or gold metallic for a glamorous finish, Enrico Zanolla’s Ruskii and Ruskii Twist combine century-old inspiration and contemporary design and technologies to reinterpret the need for iconic shapes.
