Hans Kögl

Hans Kögl – Sculptural Hollywood Regency luminaires between Bavaria and Italy

Person and origin:

Hans Kögl is a German designer and luminaire manufacturer who originally comes from the
Sauerland region and started out in the furniture industry. Driven by the wish to do „something
completely different", from the late 1970s onwards he developed an independent, sculptural formal language in the field of lighting design. His preferred formal repertoire is consistently oriented towards nature: sheaves of wheat, palm trees, Florentine flowers, calla lilies, magnolias, lotus flowers and wisteria (Italian „Pioggia d'Oro" – „Golden Rain") make up the basic design vocabulary of his œuvre. The international collector and dealer scene associates Kögl with the Hollywood Regency style and the so-called „Florentine style" (Florentine Regency). His works are regularly traded alongside designs by Maison Jansen, Tommaso Barbi, Willy Daro, Maison Charles, Massive Lighting and Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Several dealer and object descriptions moreover document Kögl's work as a designer for the French interior-design house Maison Jansen in its later years; Maison Jansen was founded in Paris in 1880 by the Dutchman Jean-Henri Jansen and is regarded as one of the first international interior-design firms in the world.

Founding and company seat:

The firm Kögl Leuchten was founded in 1979 in Amerang in the Upper Bavarian Chiemgau region.
The company seat is Schloßplatz 3, 83123 Amerang. The business trades under „KÖGL Leuchten
– Hans Kögl e.Kfm." and appears on the market under the brands „Kögl Leuchten" and „Kögl
Wohnlicht". The company also runs its own factory outlet under the name „Leuchten am Schloss
Amerang", referencing the direct neighbourhood of Amerang Castle. Since 1979, the brand's luminaires have been designed in Amerang and partly built on site. Part of the metalwork has traditionally been carried out in small workshops in Italy, which shapes the characteristic Italian-Bavarian „double note" of the collections and continues the production alliance
between German designs and Northern Italian metal craftsmanship that took shape in the 1960s and 1970s. Since 2008 the company has been run by Thomas Stratmann, the long-serving operations manager, who – according to several trade directories – continues the firm „in the spirit of the founder". As a registered merchant, Hans Kögl e.Kfm. still trades under the name of the founder.

Design signature and materials:

Hans Kögl's works are consistently made by hand and mostly consist of forged, bent or pressed
metal – often brass, iron or sheet metal – which is then gilded, silvered, patinated or lacquered.
Characteristic are foliage, blossoms and ears of wheat in gilded or copper-coloured metal, often
combined with white, pink or pastel-coloured enamel decoration. Alongside gilding with gold leaf
and classic bole gilding, combinations of silver and gold leaf are also used.
Kögl explicitly understands his luminaires as three-dimensional sculptures of light: tendrils,
branches and blossoms are not deployed purely decoratively but instead carry the bulb sockets
directly inside the flower calyxes. The sockets are predominantly E14 or E27 Edison screw fittings for the European and international market (110 / 230 volts). Sizes range from small wall sconces to chandeliers up to monumental floor lamps in the form of palm trees, which can be more than 180 cm tall.

Iconic models and series:

Among the brand's best-known formal families are the sheaf-of-wheat chandeliers and wall lamps („Sheaf of Wheat" or „Wheat Sheaf"), which Kögl realised in numerous variants – as three-, five-,eight- and twelve-arm chandeliers and as table and wall lamps. An iconic object is the accompanying side table „Coco Chanel" in white-lacquered or gilded metal with a glass top: the larger version of this table, according to the consistent description by several international dealers,is said to have stood in Coco Chanel's private suite at the Ritz in Paris.
A second formative body of work is the series „Pioggia d'Oro" (German „Goldener Regen", English
„Golden Rain") – wall, ceiling and pendant lamps in the form of wisteria tendrils whose golden leafy branches let hang silver or white flower clusters. Complementary models include „Wisteria" (wisteria wall lamps), „Calla Lily" (calla-lily chandeliers), lotus ceiling lamps, magnolia floor lamps and Florentine blossom and tulip wall lamps.
The third major body of work comprises the palm-tree luminaires: floor, table and wall lamps in theform of whole palm trees or individual palm fronds, sometimes as a single palm, sometimes as a double palm („Double Palm Tree Floor Lamp"). On the collector market these models are regularly linked to the sphere of Maison Jansen and count among the formative motifs of the Hollywood Regency revival of the 1970s. The programme is complemented by side and coffee tables with palm or leaf décor as well as wall sconces with fruit garlands and flower bouquets.
In the current programme of the Kögl Wohnlicht brand, the manufacturer carries, among others, the product series „Amabile" and „Campana" featuring glass luminaires, along with Florentine
chandeliers, country-house luminaires, crystal chandeliers, torch lights, organza-shaded lamps and the „Golden Dream" range. The colour palette runs from white, silver, nickel, gold and antique gold through antique rust to black.

Time frame and production locations:

Even though the firm Kögl Leuchten was officially founded in 1979, individual objects attributed to the designer Hans Kögl are already dated to the 1950s – among them lacquered-metal floor lamps with white-and-gold magnolias (1950s), wisteria wall lamps in white and gold (1950s) and a sheaf-of-wheat chandelier from the 1940s, which an American GI took from Germany to the USA after the Second World War. The focus of the known works nonetheless lies in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Dealer entries consistently name Germany (Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia) and Italy as production locations and more rarely also objects made „made in Italy" for the German market. In sales databases such as 1stDibs, objects from a total of five countries of origin are listed (Germany, Italy, Austria, France,
USA), with around 80 % of the objects originating in Germany.

Programme and areas of application:

Kögl Leuchten from Amerang describes itself as a specialist for classic luminaires, modern
luminaires, country-house luminaires, Florentine luminaires, designer luminaires and light objects of high quality. In addition to residential lighting, a programme focus lies on hotel and contract lighting, hospitality and castle luminaires, and bespoke luminaires for individual commissions. Through the specialist trade, the brand is carried by, among others, Leuchtenhaus Skapetze and Suntinger Shop; direct sales from Amerang run through the company website koegl-leuchten.de and the „Leuchten am Schloss Amerang" outlet. On the international vintage and collector market, Kögl objects are prominently traded on Pamono, 1stDibs, Whoppah and Incollect; the market segment ranges from wall sconces starting at just under 400 EUR to monumental double-palmfloor lamps and large Pioggia d'Oro wall lamps in the four-figure price range.
Significance
Hans Kögl is one of the few luminaire designers to have carried the Hollywood Regency and
Florentine styles forward in Germany continuously, from the late 1950s to the present day. His
hand-gilded metal works with motifs drawn from the world of plants are regarded as reference
objects of a decorative, Italian-inspired modernism and are traded internationally both as functional luminaires and as collector objects. The combination of a manufactory operating in Amerang for more than 45 years, an independent formal language and a still-active Italian production partnership makes the brand a distinct chapter of German post-war lighting history.

Hans Kögl:

Decorative luminaires by Hans Kögl with his signature gilded foliage – wall lamps, ceiling lamps
and table lamps – are regularly available in the range of Max's Vintage Art. All pieces are verified
originals.

Sources

German-language sources
· KÖGL Leuchten – Company website „Eingang / Kögl Wohnlicht Amerang" –
https://www.koegl-leuchten.de/html/eingang.html
· KÖGL Leuchten – Factory outlet „Leuchten am Schloss Amerang" –
https://www.leuchten-am-schloss-amerang.de/
· Hundert Prozent Amerang – Company profile „Kögl Leuchten" –
https://hundert-prozent-amerang.de/firmen-profil/koegl-leuchten/
· HIGHLIGHT (specialist magazine of the lighting industry) – „KÖGL Leuchten – Hans Kögl e.Kfm.,
Amerang" – https://www.highlight-web.de/firma/koegl-leuchten-amerang/
· Skapetze® – „Design aus dem Chiemgau – Kögl Wohnlicht" –
https://skapetze.com/en/collections/koegl
· Lampen Suntinger Shop – „Leuchten aus Deutschland von Hans Kögl / Hans Kögl Wohnlicht" –
https://www.lampen-suntinger-shop.com/Hans-Koegl-Wohnlicht
· Pamono.de – Designer page „Hans Kögl" – https://www.pamono.de/designers/hans-koegl
· RSA Antiquitäten Wiesbaden – Glossary „Hans Kögl" –
https://antiquitaeten-wiesbaden.de/glossar-lexikon-art-deco-kuenstler/hans-koegl/
· Wohnfach – Designer page „Hans Kögl" – https://www.wohnfach.de/works/hans-koegl-2/
· wlw.de – Company profile „KÖGL WOHNLICHT Hans Kögl e.Kfm., Amerang" –
https://www.wlw.de/de/firma/koegl-wohnlicht-hans-koegl-ekfm-1542153
· Cylex company directory – „Hans Kögl e.Kfm., Inhaber: Thomas Stratmann, Amerang" –
https://web2.cylex.de/firma-home/hans-koegl-e-kfm--inhaber--thomas-stratmann-2763861.html
English-language sources
· 1stDibs – „Hans Kögl Furniture / Biography" – https://www.1stdibs.com/creators/hans-kogl/furniture/
· 1stDibs – „Hans Kögl Floor Lamps" (Palm Tree, Pioggia d'Oro, etc.) –
https://www.1stdibs.com/creators/hans-kogl/furniture/lighting/floor-lamps/
· 1stDibs – „Hans Kogl Lighting" – https://www.1stdibs.com/de/creators/hans-kogl/furniture/lighting/
· Pamono – „Hans Kögl – Buy Lighting by Hans Kögl" –
https://www.pamono.com/designers/hans-koegl/lighting
· Pamono – „Large Vintage Double Palm Tree Floor Lamp by Hans Kögl, 1970s" –
https://www.pamono.com/large-vintage-double-palm-tree-floor-lamp-by-hans-koegl-1970s
· PN Modern – „Hans Kögl Palm Tree Table Lamp, W. Germany, 1970" – https://www.pnmodern.com/al
l-lighting/table-floor-lamps/hans-k%C3%B6gl-palm-table-lamp-w-germany-1970/
· Incollect – „Hans Kögl Lighting: Chandeliers, Sconces & Palm Tree Lamps" –
https://www.incollect.com/artists/hans-kogl-lighting
· Whoppah – Brand page „Hans Kögl" – https://www.whoppah.com/brands/hans-kogl
· Whoppah – „Hans Kögl Lighting" – https://www.whoppah.com/brands/hans-kogl/lighting
· Vntg – Designer page „Hans Kögl – 24 vintage design items" –
https://www.vntg.com/designer/hans-k%C3%B6gl/
· Artnet – Artist page „Hans Kogl" – https://www.artnet.com/artists/hans-kogl/
French-language sources
· 1stDibs France – „Hans Kögl – Créateur, Biographie et historique des prix" –
https://www.1stdibs.com/fr/creators/hans-kogl/
· 1stDibs France – „Lampadaire Hans Kogl – 32 en vente" –
https://www.1stdibs.com/fr/buy/lampadaire-hans-kogl/
· 1stDibs France – „Jansen Lampe Palmier – 23 en vente" –
https://www.1stdibs.com/fr/buy/jansen-lampe-palmier/
· Pamono.fr – Designer page „Hans Kögl" – https://www.pamono.fr/designers/hans-koegl
· Unikvintage64 (Basque Country) – „Lampadaire Hans Kogl années 70" –
https://unikvintage64.com/product/lampadaire-hans-kogl-annees-70/
· France-Estimations – „Estimation d'une lampe palmier d'Hans Kögl" –
https://france-estimations.fr/estimation-de-lampes-art-deco-palmiers-hans-kogl/
· Proantic – „Lampe Palmier Hanz Kogl" –
https://www.proantic.com/1125665-lampe-palmier-hanz-kogl.html
· Salon des Antiquaires – „Lampe palmier laiton Jansen prix : un incontournable du mobilier vintage" –
https://www.salondesantiquaires.fr/lampe-palmier-laiton-jansen-prix-un-incontournable-du-mobilier-vinta
ge/
· Antikeo – „Large XXL palm tree floor lamp, black-gold, Hans Kögl" – https://www.antikeo.com/en/catal
og/lighting/floor-lamps/large-xxl-palm-tree-floor-lamp-black-gold-hans-kogl-82140
· Galerie Vintage Addict – „Hans Kögl Large Golden Lamp" –
https://www.vintage-addict.com/en/produit/large-gilded-hans-kogl-lamp/
Italian-language sources
· Palermo Atelier – „Hans Kogl – Pioggia D'oro table lamp" –
https://palermoatelier.com/shop/p/hans-kogl-pioggia-doro-table-lamp
· Catawiki – „Hans Kögl – Table lamp Pioggia d'Oro" –
https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/67504711-hans-kogl-table-lamp-1-pioggia-d-oro
· Catawiki – „Hans Kogl – Wall light Pioggia d'Oro" –
https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/42885079-hans-kogl-wall-light-1-pioggia-d-oro
· CapitoliumArt (auction house) – Artist page „Kogl, Hans – Artwork value, appraisals and valuations" –
https://www.capitoliumart.com/en/artist/kogl-hans/xar-10540
· ArtOrigo – „Large Hans Kögl Wall Light Sconce Pioggia d'Oro, Gold Silver Metal, 1970s" – https://artor
igo.com/login/large-hans-kogl-wall-light-sconce-pioggia-d-oro-gold-silver-metal-1970s/id-1314
· Pamono – „Applique a forma di palma Hans Kögl in metallo dorato (Maison Jansen Stil), 1960s" –
https://www.pamono.com/hans-koegl-gilt-metal-palm-tree-wall-sconce-from-maison-jansen-st-1960s
Dutch- and Flemish-language sources
· Reliving.nl – „Hans Kögl dubbele palmboom lamp" –
https://www.reliving.nl/products/hans-kogl-dubbele-palmboom-lamp
· Catawiki.nl – „Hans Kögl – Palmboom vloerlamp – Messing, verguld" –
https://www.catawiki.nl/l/19323227-hans-kogl-palmboom-vloerlamp-messing-verguld
· Woonzonden.nl – „Hans Kögl Palm Tree Lamp, 220 cm" – https://www.woonzonden.nl/a-61843214/ho
llywood-regency-meubels-lampen/hans-koegl-palm-tree-lamp-220-cm/
· Vintage Design Store (NL) – „Hollywood Regency hanglamp van Hans Kögl uit de jaren 60" – https://vi
ntagedesignstore.nl/en/product/hollywood-regency-hanglamp-van-hans-kogl-gemaakt-in-de-jaren-60/
· Pamono.eu – Designer page „Hans Kögl" – https://www.pamono.eu/designers/hans-koegl
Spanish-language sources
· 1stDibs España – „Hans Kögl: biografía del diseñador e historial de precios" –
https://www.1stdibs.com/creators/hans-kogl/
· 1stDibs España – „Lámpara de pie de dos troncos de palmera en metal dorado de Hans Kögl" – https:
//www.1stdibs.com/es/muebles/iluminaci%C3%B3n/l%C3%A1mparas-de-pie/l%C3%A1mpara-de-pie-d
e-dos-troncos-de-palmera-en-metal-dorado-de-hans-k%C3%B6gl/id-f_41058002/
· Pamono – „Lámpara de palmera dorada atribuida a Hans Kögl" –
https://www.pamono.com/gold-palmtree-light-attributed-to-hans-koegl
· Todocoleccion – „Gran lote lámpara, plafón nenúfar, espejo sol, palmera, flores y hojas Hans Kögl" –
https://en.todocoleccion.net/vintage-lamps-lighting/precio-uni-gran-lote-lampara-plafon-nenufar-espejo-
sol-palmera-flores-hojas-hans-kogl~x436815257
As of 04/07/2026: public sources in German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Flemish and Spanish evaluated.

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