The Sarome Sunburst

This is the "Tabic" butane table lighter, made by Sarome of Japan in the 1960s or 1970s. The body is solid aluminium, cut into stepped horizontal fins that read like a piece of machine-age architecture. A raised panel on each side is engraved with a sunburst pattern. The chrome cap at the top houses the flame, which is lit by a piezo-electric spark rather than a flint. The original Sarome label is still on the base. Sarome produced some of the most sculptural desk lighters of the period, and the finned designs are among the most collected.

It sits well on a desk, a bar cart or a coffee table, where it works as a small sculpture whether or not it is in use.

Origin: Japan
Sourced in: Milan
Era: c.1970s
Manufacturer: Sarome
Materials: Aluminium, chrome-plated metal
Dimensions: W 13 × D 6 × H 8 cm
Attribution: Original Sarome "Piezo Electric" label to base (photographed)
Condition:  Good vintage condition, with light surface marks to the aluminium consistent with age. Supplied empty of gas. Refer to photographs.