You know, I have no idea what this is supposed to be, either.All I know is that the photo at left is definitely of a light source, specfically the EL11AC from NY Loft (Philadelphia Design Building, 2300 Chestnut St. Suite 150). I wouldn't necessarily call it a "lamp" since it doesn't give off enough light to illuminate one's late night readings of Little Lord Fauntleroy.
But I was intrigued by the texture of this light source/decorative item. It reminds me of the whitewashed coral trend of the Spring-Summer season, without looking like one has dragged something off the beach and placed it on the mantel. You can only get away with that sort of flourish in the warmer months.
The spikes are an unusual vertical element, but the real interest comes from the variation of height amongst the spikes, giving unexpected mass. It's a clever visual statement that would liven up an area with a lot of horizontals, like a coffee table, forelorn shelf or...a mantel.
Photo from NYLoft.net
