Design: North African Punched Metal Light Pendants

Dido Designs [Tunisia]

Flick a switch and watch as light spills through countless tiny holes, each painstakingly punched by hand using a hammer and a punch. This is a method of traditional punctured metal work that has been used in North Africa for thousands of years, and one that makes up the beautiful lighting products from Dido Designs.

Working from a 300 year-old factory in Tunisia, designer Caroline Mansouri creates a stunning range of contemporary handcrafted lighting, handcrafted by artisans highly skilled in the intricate metal work method. The lighting is crafted in aged brass or nickel and is available in pendant, standard or table lamp format.

Handcrafting adds to the uniqueness of each product, as no two will strictly be the same. The simple silhouettes come in the following forms: drum, lotus, stellar, sphere and fence; with some of the designs being based on traditional Tunisian light designs.

I personally like the way the holes create a soft pattern on the wall, bringing an intimate touch to the living space.