Monkey
Resin Table Lamp · Theatrical Sculpture
01
Overview
A Crazy and Crafty Family
A crazy and crafty family. Monkey lamps have a strong theatrical impact in which art, design and the world of nature blend together — creating magical products. The perfect scenography for your home.
The Monkey Lamp is a sculptural table light that refuses to behave like a lamp. Cast in pigmented resin, the life-sized monkey body is finished in your choice of three theatrical tones, with metal hardware concealed at the socket. The bulb itself is the focal point — held aloft by the monkey's hands as part of the sculptural composition, intentionally visible rather than hidden behind a shade. Available in two postures: a Sitting version (compact, tabletop) and a Standing version (taller, statement-scale). Whichever posture you choose, the Monkey Lamp asks to be the room's narrative centrepiece — not a quiet ambient light, but a scenographic presence that sets the mood the moment you enter the room.
A Designer Original · Marcantonio · Italy
A faithful representation of the iconic Monkey Lamp originally designed by Marcantonio — the Italian sculptural-lighting designer whose Macaco collection became one of the most recognisable signatures in contemporary theatrical lighting.
02
Postures
Two Stances · Two Scales
Two postures, same character. The Sitting Monkey crouches with the bulb held forward at chest level — intimate, conversational, ideal where the lamp will be seen up close. The Standing Monkey reaches upward, holding the bulb at adult eye-level — dramatic, declarative, designed to read across a room. Both versions ship in the same three finishes.
03
Finishes
Three Theatrical Tones
Finish 01
Black
Graphic · silhouette
Finish 02
Gold
Extravagant · luxe
Finish 03
White
Architectural · gallery
Pigmented through the resin body. Each finish is mixed into the resin itself rather than painted on, so the colour stays uniform under handling and won't chip or flake at the edges. Black reads as silhouette against any wall — most theatrical. Gold adds warmth and decadent shimmer — most ornamental. White is gallery-neutral — lets the sculptural form dominate.
04
Materials & Craft
Three Pillars
Pigmented Resin Body
The detailed life-sized monkey form is cast from pigmented resin (not bronze, not ceramic) — a material that captures fine sculptural detail at a price point that real bronze couldn't match, and a structural integrity that fired ceramic couldn't sustain. Colour mixed through the resin keeps the surface uniform under handling.
Visible Bulb · By Design
The E26/E27 bulb is held aloft in the monkey's hands as part of the sculpture, intentionally visible rather than hidden behind a shade. Choose a vintage filament LED for the most theatrical effect — the bulb itself becomes the bright focal point of the composition.
Metal Hardware & Cable
Concealed metal hardware seats the socket and routes the cord cleanly down the monkey's back. A 150 cm (59″) cable with a mid-cable in-line on/off switch keeps controls within easy reach without bending to the floor or under the table.
05
Product Notes
At a Glance
Bulb Not Included
E26 or E27 base · sold separately
In-Line Switch
Mid-cable on/off · 150 cm cord
Indoor Only · IP20
Dry interior environments
Bulb Recommendation · Theatrical Effect
The bulb is visible by design — it's not hidden behind a shade. We recommend a vintage-style filament LED (Edison bulb, E26/E27, 2700K, 4–6 W) so the bulb itself becomes part of the sculptural composition. Clear glass with visible filament reads cinematic; frosted bulbs read softer; standard A19 utility bulbs work but lack the theatrical character the design rewards.
06
Specifications
Technical Data
| Sitting version | Dia 34cm × H 32cm / ∅ 13" × H 12.5" |
| Standing version | Dia 46cm × H 54cm / ∅ 18" × H 21" |
| Materials | Pigmented resin (body), metal (socket and concealed hardware) |
| Finishes | Black · Gold · White (3 options — choose at checkout) |
| Body finish | Pigmented through the resin · satin/matte sheen |
| Bulb position | Visible / decorative — held aloft as part of the design |
| Socket | E26 or E27 standard base |
| Bulbs included | No — sold separately |
| Recommended bulb | Vintage-style filament LED, E26/E27, 2700K, 4–6 W |
| Cable | 150 cm / 59" cord with mid-cable in-line on/off switch and standard plug |
| Switch | In-line on/off (mid-cable, easy reach) |
| Voltage | AC 110–240V, full-range |
| Wiring | Plug-in (standard wall outlet · no electrician required) |
| IP rating | IP20 — indoor use only, not waterproof |
| Certifications |
North America
Europe
Australia
Middle East
|
Indoor use only. Designed for dry interior environments — not suitable for bathrooms, wet rooms, covered porches, or outdoor installations. Resin is impact-resistant but should be kept away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the pigment over time. Order total does not include customs duties or local import taxes.
07
Installation
Setup Notes
- Plug-in operation — no electrician required. Plug directly into a standard wall outlet rated for AC 110–240V.
- Watch the product video for visual reference of the assembled silhouette and lit appearance.
- Unbox carefully. The resin body is solid and sturdy, but the sculptural form has fine details — handle the lamp by the body, never by the arms or the bulb-socket fixture.
- Place on a level, stable surface. The Sitting version (Dia 34 cm) suits sideboards, console tables, and large desks. The Standing version (Dia 46 cm) reads best on low tables, plinths, or directly on the floor for full sculptural impact.
- Source the right bulb. The fixture takes one E26/E27 base bulb, AC 110–240V mains-voltage. Because the bulb is visible by design, we strongly recommend vintage filament LEDs (Edison-style, 2700K, 4–6 W) for the most theatrical effect. Standard utility bulbs work but undersell the design.
- Route the 150 cm cable to a nearby outlet. The in-line switch sits roughly halfway down the cord — easy to reach without bending under the table.
- For dimming, plug into a wall outlet controlled by a TRIAC dimmer (or use a smart plug) paired with a TRIAC-compatible dimmable LED bulb.
08
Questions
Frequently Asked
Who designed the Monkey Lamp?
The Monkey Lamp was designed by Marcantonio (Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba), an Italian designer known for sculptural, theatrical lighting that blurs the line between fine art and functional object. The Monkey Lamp first appeared as part of Marcantonio's Macaco collection for Seletti, which became one of the brand's most recognisable signature pieces. This product is a faithful representation of that iconic design.
Is this an authentic Seletti Monkey Lamp by Marcantonio?
No. This is a faithful representation of Marcantonio's Monkey Lamp design, offered as an interpretation for buyers who admire the design language. Original-edition Seletti Monkey Lamps designed by Marcantonio are sold under separate arrangements through Seletti's authorised retail network at significantly higher price points.
Should I choose the Sitting or Standing version?
The Sitting version (Dia 34 × H 32 cm / 13" × 12.5") is compact and tabletop-friendly — ideal for sideboards, console tables, desks, and bookshelves where the lamp will be seen up close. The Standing version (Dia 46 × H 54 cm / 18" × 21") is taller and more dramatic, designed to read as a sculptural floor or low-table piece, with the monkey reaching upward to hold the bulb at adult eye-level. Choose Sitting for desktop intimacy, Standing for room-anchoring statement.
Which finish should I choose: Black, Gold, or White?
Black — most theatrical and graphic, reads as silhouette against any background, perfect for moody or dark-walled interiors. Gold — most extravagant and decorative, adds warmth and luxe to dining rooms, hotel lobbies, and maximalist interiors. White — most architectural and gallery-like, neutral and clean, lets the sculptural form dominate without colour competition.
Is it made of real bronze or ceramic?
No. The body is pigmented resin, not bronze or ceramic. This is a deliberate engineering choice: resin captures the detailed sculptural form (which would be prohibitively expensive in real bronze and prone to cracking in fired ceramic), and the colour is mixed into the resin itself rather than painted on the surface. Resin is also significantly lighter and more impact-resistant than either metal or ceramic — important for a life-sized sculpture that may be repositioned around the home.
What kind of bulb should I use? Will the bulb be visible?
An E26 or E27 base bulb, mains-voltage AC 110–240V. The bulb is visible by design — held aloft by the monkey's hands as part of the sculptural composition, not hidden behind a shade. We strongly recommend a vintage-style filament LED (Edison-style, 2700K, 4–6 W) so the bulb itself becomes part of the visual statement. A bare A19 utility bulb works but lacks the theatrical character the design rewards. Avoid incandescent or halogen — they run hot and don't pair well with all-day use.
Is the bulb really visible? Won't that be glary?
Yes — and that's the point. The Monkey Lamp is not a quiet ambient light; it's a sculptural focal point where the bulb's exposed glow is part of the theatre. Use a low-wattage decorative LED (4–6 W warm white) and the bulb glows like a flame in the monkey's hands rather than blinding the room. For full-room illumination, pair the Monkey Lamp with secondary ambient lighting elsewhere in the space.
Is the Monkey Lamp dimmable?
The fixture itself uses an in-line on/off switch on the cord — no dimmer is built in. To dim, plug into a wall outlet controlled by a TRIAC dimmer switch (or use a smart plug) paired with a TRIAC-compatible dimmable LED E26/E27 bulb. A dimmed vintage filament bulb produces a particularly warm, cinematic glow held in the monkey's hands — many owners prefer this look.
Where does the Monkey Lamp work best?
Spaces that welcome a bold, theatrical statement — entryways, bar areas, formal dining rooms, libraries, hotel lobbies, retail interiors, creative studios, and maximalist living rooms. The Monkey Lamp is intentionally a focal-point object, best paired with neutral or moody walls that let the silhouette dominate. Not ideal for minimalist interiors that prefer reduced visual statements — the lamp will read as a contradiction in those settings.
How heavy is it? Will it tip over?
Resin gives the Monkey Lamp meaningful weight — heavier than plastic, lighter than bronze. The Sitting version sits firmly on a four-point base; the Standing version's weight is concentrated low for stability. On a level, stable surface, the lamp will not tip or wobble. Avoid placing on uneven flooring (deep-pile rugs, sloped surfaces), and lift by the body (never by the arms or socket fixture) when relocating.
Can I install it in a bathroom or outdoors?
No. The Monkey Lamp is rated IP20 for dry indoor use only — not suitable for bathrooms, wet rooms, covered porches, or any outdoor environment. The pigmented resin is also not designed to withstand prolonged direct sunlight, which will fade the colour over time.
How do I clean it?
With the lamp unplugged and the bulb cool, dust the resin body gently with a soft dry microfibre cloth. For more thorough cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth (water only, or a drop of pH-neutral soap) and dry immediately. Avoid abrasive sponges, solvents, alcohol-based cleaners, and direct application of cleaning sprays — these can damage the resin pigment. Clean the bulb separately when cool, with a dry cloth only.
09
Downloads
Spec · Install
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Marcantonio Heritage
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Pigmented Resin
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Two Postures · Three Finishes
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Theatrical Sculpture
