Hans-Agne Jakobsson ceiling lamps

This is a rare ceiling lamp model TN 42 / M, designed by Swedish lighting master Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his own company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, in Markaryd, Sweden during the 1960s. The piece exemplifies Jakobsson’s distinct design language, characterized by sculptural presence, glare-free illumination, and inventive use of materials to shape atmosphere through light.

The lamp features a structured cluster of overlapping cylindrical shades, composed of brass-coated aluminum formed into vertical spiral bands. These bands are arranged in a circular configuration around a white plastic diffuser base with scalloped cutouts, revealing a central bulb socket. The internal surfaces are white lacquered to optimize light diffusion, while the brass exterior reflects a warm ambient glow. The design utilizes layered opacity and alternating reflections to project patterned light both downward and outward onto surrounding surfaces, creating a dramatic yet soft luminance.

The material palette combines the warmth of brushed brass with the functional clarity of white plastic, balancing decorative impact with lighting efficiency. Each band is individually mounted to the diffuser plate with visible metal brackets, emphasizing the lamp’s industrial construction and modular rhythm. Signs of use include patina to the brass surfaces and minor wear to the interior plastic components, consistent with age and use.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009) was a prolific Swedish designer and lighting manufacturer whose works embody the mid-century Scandinavian approach to domestic ambiance. A trained cabinetmaker and architect, he brought structural and spatial awareness into lighting design. In contrast to the strictly functionalist aesthetics of his contemporaries, Jakobsson focused on atmospheric light quality, often using diffusers, slats, and layered materials to soften and warm artificial lighting. His firm, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, became known for inventive forms and signature lighting systems produced throughout the mid-20th century.

The lamp measures 42 cm in diameter and 40 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 16.5 inches by 15.7 inches.