Poul Henningsen table lamp

This rare table lamp is the PH 3½/2 model, designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the 1930s. The lamp features a bronze base and stem, paired with its original yellow lacquered metal shade. Central to the design is Henningsen’s iconic three-shade system, engineered to minimize glare while distributing a soft, even light. The shades are arranged concentrically: the largest upper shade curves downward, while the two smaller lower reflectors are stepped and angled inward to direct light both downward and laterally.

The shade’s surface displays signs of age, including chipping and patination along the edges and underside, typical of original lacquer finishes from the pre-war era. The bronze base and stem exhibit a consistent dark patina, contributing to the lamp’s vintage character. The wiring appears to be a later replacement but maintains period-appropriate textile wrapping. The stem is cylindrical with understated articulations near the socket and base, reflecting the industrial yet refined aesthetic typical of early Louis Poulsen lighting.

Poul Henningsen, a Danish designer, architect, and cultural critic, pioneered the PH lighting system in the 1920s, combining scientific principles of light diffusion with modernist design. The PH 3½/2 model is part of this modular system, with its name indicating the size of the top shade and its relationship to the lower reflectors.

Louis Poulsen, founded in 1874, gained international renown through its collaborations with Henningsen and continues to be a leading name in modern lighting design. Early production lamps from the PH series with original painted finishes like this are particularly rare.

The lamp’s condition reflects its age and use, with notable paint wear and patina, but all components remain structurally sound and authentic. It measures 33 cm in diameter and 44 cm in height (approximately 13.0 by 17.3 inches).