PH-2/2 Water Pump Floor Lamp in Brass and Glass by Poul Henningsen, 1940s

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The ph-2/2 “water pump” floor lamp, designed by poul henningsen and produced by louis poulsen in the 1940s, is an … Read more The ph-2/2 “water pump” floor lamp, designed by poul henningsen and produced by louis poulsen in the 1940s, is an exceptionally rare and historically significant example of 20th-century danish lighting design. This model, named for its distinctive, utilitarian silhouette evocative of an old-fashioned water pump, is one of henningsen’s most iconic lighting pieces—showcasing his pioneering philosophy of glare-free, layered illumination through elegant geometric form. Crafted during a period when henningsen was refining his three-shade system, the ph-2/2 is a scaled variant of his modular lighting concept. The lamp’s glass shades consist of three hand-blown amber-hued opal glass elements in a precise ratio, calibrated to reflect and diffuse light evenly while concealing the bulb from direct view. This approach, rooted in henningsen’s early experiments with logarithmic spirals, eliminates glare and casts a soft, ambient glow ideal for reading or task lighting. The body of the lamp is constructed in solid brass, which has developed a rich, golden patina over the decades. This natural aging underscores the lamp’s vintage character while adding depth and warmth to its industrial-modern aesthetic. The structure includes an adjustable arm—pivoting around a central brass joint—that enables the lamp head to be repositioned for directional lighting. This articulated feature is both practical and visually distinctive, providing the design with its evocative “water pump” form. The base is a simple, weighted disc in blackened metal, offering understated stability and providing tonal contrast to the polished brass. The balance of these materials—functional and decorative—speaks to henningsen’s mastery in creating objects that are both technologically innovative and aesthetically harmonious. Additional information: producer: louis poulsen color: amber, black, gold decade: 1940s country: denmark style: mid century, scandinavian modern material: brass, glass designed in: 1940s dimensions: 30 w x 80 d x 141 h cm this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I 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