Pan-Opticon Pendant Lamps by Bent Karbly for Lyfa, Denmark, 1970s, Set of 3

Details

Description

Pan-opticon wall lamp by bent karlby for lyfa, denmark, 1969
part of the exclusive lyfalux designer series

the pan-opticon is … Read more Pan-opticon wall lamp by bent karlby for lyfa, denmark, 1969
part of the exclusive lyfalux designer series

the pan-opticon is one of several panpipe-inspired lighting designs by danish architect-designer bent karlby, developed for lyfa in the late 1960s. Issued in 1969 as part of lyfa’s premium lyfalux line—reserved for the brand’s most refined and innovative designs—it exemplifies scandinavian modernism blended with pop art and space-age aesthetics.

this model was produced in blue, red, and yellow. A shorter, wider variant is known as the pandean; the pendant version is called pantre; and a more complex wall-mounted model with grouped lights and rounded perforations is named simply pan—each referencing the pan flute inspiration behind the series.
the final image shows original promotional artwork from the lyfa archive (1969).

design & features
designer: bent karlby
manufacturer: lyfa, denmark
model: pan-opticon
year: 1969
series: lyfalux

materials: lacquered aluminium with adjustable aluminium diffusers
light source: 2 × b15 bulbs (max 40w each)
switch: inline on/off
mounting: original wall fixing plates included

functionality
dual internal light sources emit soft, bi-directional illumination
sliding aluminium covers adjust the light intensity at either end
produces a sculptural glow and ambient wall pattern

historical context
by the early 1970s, lyfa was embracing bolder colour palettes and experimental materials. Early editions of the pan series featured coloured interiors, while related models such as the ergo introduced vivid orange and green plastics—capturing the futuristic optimism and playful spirit of 1970s danish design. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution,
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less