IRISH gun enthusiasts may be tempted to hand over €1,000 for a gold-plated Kalashnikov AK-47 – in Arnott's lighting department.

Recently appearing on its shelves, the designer lamps feature semi-automatic machine guns and hand-held pistol lamp stands, all encrusted in 18 carat gold.

But perhaps as a sign of the times or of the mere one month they have been sitting in the popular department store, none of the weapon shaped lamp stands have sold.

Created by French designer Philippe Starck, the two items on view cost €811 and €1,000, reduced from €1,351.

While the lights may sound controversial to some, they are designed to provoke debate on war, with 20% of the sale price going to charity for landmine victims.

"He is a designer who really pushes the boundaries and designs very modern and futuristic pieces," said an Arnott's spokeswoman.

"His ambition around this design was to spark a debate on the issue. We are quite proud to sell these in the store to support someone who is doing very good work. They are not for everyone but they do challenge people."

According to Starck, the gold in the weapon themed lights represent the collusion between war and money. The different designs represent the east, west and Europe.

Of the infamous Kalashnikov rifle, he writes: "Light, functional, affordable and elegant, with over 100 million copies officially produced to date, the Kalashnikov is one of the industrial design success stories of our age.

"Mr Kalashnikov has never received any royalties for this design. He often complains about it. Thus, I intend to pay him a commission for the sales of the model that replicates his invention. Poor guy. The remainder will be donated to 'Medicins sans Frontières'."

Since rising to prominence in the design world, Starck has carved a reputation as the creator of everything from interior designs, to mass produced household implements.