Poul Henningsen table lamp

This rare and early PH-4/3 table lamp was designed by Danish architect and lighting designer Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark, with this particular example dating to the late 1920s. The presence of the “PAT. APPL.” marking indicates it is one of the earlier production runs, likely from around 1927, shortly after the introduction of the PH lamp series.

The lamp incorporates Henningsen’s innovative three-shade system, developed to distribute light evenly and eliminate glare. This design, based on logarithmic principles, ensures that both direct and reflected light is softly diffused, creating a comfortable and functional illumination environment. The PH-4/3 configuration refers to the size of the top shade (approximately 40 cm in diameter) and the proportional reduction in size for the lower shades, producing a controlled and harmonious light pattern.

The lamp is finished in a green lacquer, a color choice used in early variants of the PH lamps, particularly in the late 1920s and early 1930s. This original lacquer finish is paired with brass fittings and detailing, providing a rich visual contrast and reinforcing the period aesthetic. The brass stem and hardware contribute both to the structural integrity and the refined character of the piece.

Measuring 40 cm in diameter (approximately 15.7 inches) and 53 cm in height (approximately 20.9 inches), the lamp presents a balanced and commanding presence suitable for desks, side tables, or reading areas. Despite its age, it remains in very good vintage condition, exhibiting only minor signs of wear consistent with careful use over time.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) was one of the most influential lighting designers of the 20th century. His collaboration with Louis Poulsen began in the 1920s and produced some of the most iconic Danish lighting designs, many of which remain in production. Henningsen’s work reflects a deep understanding of both engineering and aesthetics, driven by a desire to improve indoor lighting quality at a time when electric lighting was still relatively new.

Louis Poulsen, the manufacturer, remains one of Denmark’s premier lighting companies and was instrumental in producing Henningsen’s designs to the highest technical and material standards. The PH-4/3 lamp is a foundational model in the PH lighting family and a key object in the history of modern lighting design. This early example, marked “PAT. APPL.” is particularly significant for collectors and design historians, representing the origins of a system that would come to define Scandinavian lighting design for decades.