Louis Poulsen ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp, model A 50, was produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the early to mid-20th century. With a design language that bridges Art Deco and early Scandinavian modernism, the lamp showcases a sculptural and geometrically refined silhouette. Its form and construction embody the transition from ornamental to functionalist lighting that characterized Northern European lighting design during the interwar and immediate postwar period.

The lamp is composed of concentric stepped metal discs in lacquered brass-gold tone, arranged in a descending tiered structure. The largest upper disc serves as the primary shade, while a series of smaller nested discs progressively taper toward the bottom. This configuration effectively diffuses the light source, producing a soft, ambient glow both downward and upward, while concealing the bulb from direct view. The stepped reflectors create subtle shadowing and light modulation that enhance the dimensionality of the form, particularly when illuminated.

Constructed entirely of lacquered metal, the lamp retains its original golden-toned finish with uniform patina and minor surface abrasions consistent with age. It is suspended from a central stem connected to a matching flared canopy, which integrates visually with the overall profile. The vertical rod construction and hidden wiring reflect early industrial lighting solutions designed for both domestic and public interiors.

Louis Poulsen, founded in 1874 and established as a leading manufacturer of lighting in the 20th century, is best known for its close collaborations with prominent Danish designers such as Poul Henningsen and Arne Jacobsen. While this model does not bear the signature design language of Henningsen, it is representative of Louis Poulsen’s earlier decorative-modern period and shares the technical emphasis on glare control and layered light distribution that would later define the company’s design ethos.

The lamp measures 50 cm in diameter (19.7 inches) and 55 cm in height (21.6 inches). It is in excellent condition with full functionality and an intact lacquered surface.