In the artisan studios of Vancouver, glass is treated not just as a material, but as a medium with a memory. This philosophy is the heartbeat of Bocci’s latest release, the 118p portable lamp, which debuted on the Dezeen Showroom in late 2025. A mobile evolution of the dramatic 118 series designed by Omer Arbel, the 118p captures the fleeting, chaotic moment of creation within a permanent hand-blown sphere. By introducing molten glass into a steel cage and allowing gravity to coax out delicate, feather-like tendrils, Arbel has created a light that is a “frozen event.” Now unburdened by wires, the 118p transitions from a fixed architectural element to an intimate companion, bringing its warm, organic glow to any corner of the home or garden. As we look toward 2026, the 118p stands as a testament to the idea that high-concept craft can—and should—be part of our daily, mobile lives.
The Ghost in the Cage: A Process-Led Aesthetic
The 118p is defined by its internal complexity—a cluster of “opal glass feathers” trapped inside a smooth, transparent outer shell. This intricate interior is the result of a deliberate struggle between materials. Molten glass is blown into a reusable steel cage, where the air pressure pushes the glass through the metal voids while gravity pulls it downward. This process creates unpredictable, elongated forms that Omer Arbel refers to as “the ghost of the steel cage.”
Once the glass has cooled and set, the cage is sheared off, leaving behind a sphere that bears the “stretch marks” and delicate impressions of its metal midwife. Because the process is influenced by uncontrollable factors—ranging from the glassblower’s mood to the ambient temperature of the Vancouver studio—no two 118p lamps are identical. This inherent variation elevates the lamp from a mass-produced gadget to a collectible artifact, where the “imperfections” of the process are the primary source of its beauty.
Engineering Intimacy: Technical Specifications
While its form is poetic, the 118p is engineered with a modern “practical intelligence.” Transitioning the 118 series into a portable format required a seamless integration of light and power without disrupting the glass’s visual purity. The result is a weighted, cordless base that supports three levels of dimming, allowing the lamp to shift from a bright task light to a smoldering, candle-like ember.
The lamp’s internal LED is optimized for a warm, 2500K color temperature, mimicking the soft quality of traditional incandescent bulbs. Despite its delicate appearance, the 118p is surprisingly resilient, featuring an IP55 rating that makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether lighting an al fresco dinner party or serving as a bedside companion, the lamp provides a “warm, intimate glow” that remains stable for up to 80 hours on its lowest setting.
A Chromatic Spectrum: Four Faces of Glass
To complement a variety of interior palettes, Bocci has released the 118p in four distinct colorways: White, Bronze, Green, and Grey. The white version offers the most traditional “opal” feel, emphasizing the cloud-like softness of the internal feathers. The bronze and green iterations, however, lean into a more atmospheric, moody aesthetic, where the colored glass filters the light to create a rich, tonal wash across nearby surfaces.
The grey edition provides a contemporary, smoky sophistication that works particularly well in minimalist or industrial spaces. Regardless of the color choice, the exterior of the 118p remains smooth and spherical, providing a tactile contrast to the complex, “furry” textures visible within the glass. This “smooth-on-rough” duality is a hallmark of Arbel’s work, inviting the user to touch the glass and engage with the physical history of its making.
The Designer’s Vision: Omer Arbel’s Liquid Architecture
Omer Arbel’s work for Bocci has always been characterized by a “research-based” approach to materials. For Arbel, the 118p is not just a lamp; it is a manifestation of his long-term study into how molten materials respond to external constraints. By making the lamp portable, he has effectively allowed users to “carry a piece of the studio” with them.
This release marks a significant milestone for Bocci, a brand that has spent the last two decades redefining the boundaries between sculpture and lighting. The 118p is a bridge between the grand, multi-pendant installations the brand is known for and the more personal, intimate scale of residential living. It proves that the “memory of glass” can be just as powerful in a single, handheld object as it is in a massive chandelier.
Recharging the Ritual: Sustainable Modernity
In an era of rapid technological obsolescence, the 118p is designed for longevity. The integrated LED has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, and the battery is easily recharged via a standard USB-C port located discretely at the base. A rapid 45-minute charge is all that is required to bring the lamp back to full capacity, ensuring that the “ritual of light” is never interrupted for long.
As we move into 2026, the 118p represents a shift toward “meaningful portability.” It is an object that encourages us to slow down and appreciate the nuances of handcrafted glass, even as we benefit from the convenience of modern battery technology. In the vast landscape of portable lighting, the Bocci 118p is a rare star—a luminous reminder that even in our fast-moving world, some memories are worth catching and holding in the light.
