Poul Henningsen ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp, model PH 4/4, was designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the 1930s. It features Henningsen’s innovative three-shade system designed to deliver glare-free and evenly diffused light. The uppermost shade is crafted from yellow-white zinc, now showing a natural aged patina that attests to its vintage character. The middle and lower shades are made of three-layer opal glass, providing soft and efficient light diffusion.

Poul Henningsen was a pioneering Danish architect and lighting designer whose collaboration with Louis Poulsen revolutionized lighting through scientific principles of reflection and diffusion. The PH 4/4 model is part of a modular system where the first number indicates the diameter of the top shade (approximately 40 cm), and the second number relates to the proportional sizing of the lower shades.

This lamp exemplifies Scandinavian modernism with its focus on functional design, craftsmanship, and use of natural materials. The metal surfaces show an aged patina with oxidation and wear that enhance its historical authenticity. The lamp retains original fittings and measures 40 cm in diameter and 35 cm in height (15.7 x 13.8 inches).