Markus Haase presents Catena II, the latest evolution of his acclaimed Catena series and a continuation of his exploration of light, material transformation, and sculptural craftsmanship. Following the immediate success of the inaugural Catena chandelier, this new edition introduces a more ethereal and nuanced composition while remaining grounded in the artist’s rigorous hand-crafted practice.

Suspended from a cascading chain of individually hand-cast and hand-carved bronze links, Catena II features three pendant lanterns created through the ancient technique of spelt casting. In a gesture that reflects both sustainability and artistic ingenuity, Haase utilizes reclaimed bronze fragments and onyx remnants collected from previous studio projects, giving new life to the materials. These disparate elements are meticulously reconstructed into sculptural forms that celebrate the inherent beauty of imperfection, history, and transformation.

Each pendant houses a hand-carved onyx lantern that softly diffuses LED light through translucent stone. Fragments of onyx are assembled into intricate mosaic-like compositions, creating a dynamic interplay between solidity and illumination. The resulting forms appear both ancient and contemporary, archaeological and futuristic, while casting a warm, atmospheric glow.

The title Catena, meaning “chain” in Italian, references the hand-crafted bronze links that connect the three pendants into a unified composition. More than a structural element, the chain serves as a sculptural gesture in its own right, expressing movement and rhythm throughout the work. Every link is individually cast and finished by hand, and the overall length may be customized to suit a variety of architectural settings.

Haase’s exceptional command of bronze, stone, and wood stems from his background in classical sculpture, a foundation that informs every stage of his process. Rather than treating materials as components to be assembled, he approaches them as a sculptor, carving, casting, and shaping each element with extraordinary sensitivity. The result is a work that transcends traditional lighting design, occupying a space between functional object and contemporary sculpture.

As Haase works on a commission basis, custom variations may be requested.