italian suspect ceiling light  

I'm having a hard time visual...
I'm having a hard time visualizing how the brass tubular parts are mounted? Is this a retractable/pull down lamp? Looks like it based on the handle but I can't seem to make it work in my head with what's pictured.

Maybe it works like the...
Maybe it works like the Tynell counter weighted lights?

it works like...
it works like this:
i will make pictures mounted at the ceiling tomorrow after i cleaned it....
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/lighting/chandeliers-pendant-lights/195...

Another example
of a counterweight fixture. Don't know what it is though. Love that the photo credit is Kertesz!