Poul Henningsen table lamp

This rare and early table lamp, model PH-4/3, was designed by Poul Henningsen and produced in 1927 by Louis Poulsen in Denmark. As one of the foundational pieces in Henningsen’s celebrated PH lighting system, this lamp represents a milestone in 20th-century lighting design, offering a functional yet poetic approach to artificial illumination. It embodies Henningsen’s rigorous scientific approach to glare-free, evenly distributed light, as well as his sensitivity to aesthetics and atmosphere.

The PH-4/3 model features a three-shade system constructed in metal, arranged in a concentric, descending configuration. The uppermost shade is the largest and dome-shaped, paired with two smaller, proportionally scaled shades below it. This layered system was developed through mathematical calculations to direct light downward while simultaneously diffusing and softening it to eliminate glare—an innovation that placed Henningsen at the forefront of modern lighting design.

The exterior of the upper shade displays a muted teal or blue-green lacquered finish, with signs of age-related patina and minor surface wear consistent with early 20th-century production. The wear is particularly visible along the edges, giving the lamp a subtle weathered character that reinforces its vintage authenticity. The inner surfaces of all three shades are finished in white enamel, enhancing light reflection and maintaining the lamp’s original function of producing soft, atmospheric lighting.

The lamp’s structure includes brass components—visible in the central stem and fittings—that have developed a warm natural patina over time. These brass elements contribute to the lamp’s historical character without compromising its structural integrity or function. The lamp is marked with “PAT. APPL.,” identifying it as part of the earliest production run by Louis Poulsen, before the patent was formally registered. This marking is a critical detail for collectors and affirms the lamp’s provenance and significance within the design history.

In terms of design language, the lamp is both utilitarian and elegant. It combines geometric precision with material warmth, making it suitable not only as a functional lighting source but also as a sculptural presence within an interior space.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) was a pioneering Danish designer, architect, and cultural critic, best known for his groundbreaking contributions to lighting design. His collaboration with Louis Poulsen began in the 1920s and spanned decades, with the PH series becoming one of the most iconic and influential lighting collections in modern design history.

The lamp measures 40 cm in diameter and 53 cm in height. In inches, this corresponds approximately to 15.7 inches in diameter and 20.9 inches in height.