Poul Henningsen ceiling lamp

This very rare and early ceiling lamp, model PH-5/5, designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark, is a seminal piece in the history of modern lighting design. Bearing the “PAT. APPL” mark, this particular example likely originates from the earliest phase of production, underscoring its historical and collector’s significance. It reflects Henningsen’s pioneering work in developing glare-free illumination through his revolutionary multi-shade system—an innovation that forever transformed how artificial light is experienced in interior spaces.

The PH-5/5 is constructed around Henningsen’s foundational principle of the three-shade system, which was first introduced in 1926. This system was meticulously engineered to direct the majority of light downward while simultaneously softening and diffusing it through reflective inner surfaces. In this early model, the red lacquered metal top shade, paired with white inner surfaces, optimizes both aesthetic presence and light diffusion. The use of red, a bold and uncommon choice at the time, adds a vibrant chromatic layer to the design, serving both a decorative and functional role by subtly influencing the color temperature of the light.

A lower opaline glass diffuser completes the ensemble, suspended beneath the layered metal shades. This element plays a critical role in eliminating glare and enhancing the evenness of the illumination, contributing to the warm, atmospheric quality that Henningsen consistently sought in his work. The diffuser’s rounded form and soft translucence offer a quiet visual counterbalance to the sharper geometries of the lacquered metal above.

The lamp’s proportions—5/5 refers to the equality in size between the top and middle shade—result in a compact, horizontally oriented profile that lends itself to intimate spatial settings, such as dining rooms or reading areas. It projects a refined silhouette while offering highly functional and evenly distributed light.

Condition-wise, this example is well-preserved for its age. The red lacquer remains vivid, showing only minor surface wear and consistent patina on the metal components, which adds to its authenticity and character. The opaline glass diffuser is intact and free from cracks or repairs, a particularly rare and valuable feature in early models.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967), often referred to as the father of Danish lighting design, was deeply committed to the psychological and physiological impact of light. His designs were never purely decorative; they were solutions to the challenges posed by electric illumination. His collaboration with Louis Poulsen established some of the most enduring and iconic lighting forms of the 20th century.

Louis Poulsen, as the exclusive producer of Henningsen’s lighting designs, ensured that each piece was made to exacting standards. The firm’s long-standing dedication to quality and innovation further underscores the cultural and design value of this rare lamp.

The PH-5/5 model is not only a functional light fixture but also a museum-worthy example of early modern design thinking. Its presence in a space offers more than just illumination—it brings with it a legacy of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and an uncompromising pursuit of harmonious light.