PH Pendant Light by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1962

Details

Description

One of the most extraordinary lamps in the history of danish design.

the ph kontrast was designed by poul henningsen … Read more One of the most extraordinary lamps in the history of danish design.

the ph kontrast was designed by poul henningsen in 1962 as the culmination of his many years of research into light and glare-free illumination. Ten aluminium shades with different finishes – white, chrome, orange and blue – work together to create glare-free light with an exceptionally warm and atmospheric character.

the lamp also features an adjustable bulb position, allowing the character of the light to be changed – from cooler and more directional illumination to a softer, warmer glow. This ability to alter the contrast of the light is the origin of the name kontrast.

few people realise that the ph kontrast was one of the most expensive louis poulsen lamps to manufacture. Each of its ten shades required a complex, multi-stage process of painting, polishing and finishing. The painting and lacquering process alone involved approximately 130 separate stages, making production exceptionally time-consuming and costly.

this complexity ultimately contributed to the model being discontinued. Production costs were simply too high in relation to the commercial return. The lamp was never reissued, which is one of the reasons why the ph kontrast has become one of the most sought-after poul henningsen designs on the vintage market.

the example offered here is preserved in very good vintage condition. There is a small chip to the paintwork and minor losses to the chrome finish on one of the chromed elements – both imperfections are clearly shown in the photographs.

the bulb-height adjustment mechanism works correctly, allowing the lighting effect to be altered as originally intended by the designer.

dimensions:

* diameter: approx. 45 cm
* height: approx. 44 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