Hans-Agne Jakobsson table lamp

The B-221 table lamp, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his own company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, in 1964, is a rare and distinctive piece of Scandinavian design. This lamp showcases Jakobsson’s signature focus on diffused, indirect lighting, encapsulated in a compact and sculptural form. The design is characterized by its use of solid brass, which lends the lamp a refined, industrial aesthetic.

The lamp features a cylindrical base with a decorative band of triangular perforations that wraps around the midsection. This perforated band adds both a visual texture and a functional element, as the perforations allow light to pass through, contributing to the overall atmospheric quality of the illumination. Rising from this base is a hemispherical dome-shaped shade, also in brass, which is perforated with a grid of small circular holes. The pattern of perforations creates a constellation-like effect when the lamp is lit, dispersing light in a soft, warm glow that diffuses throughout the space. The open top of the dome facilitates upward light dispersion, further enhancing the ambient lighting effect and creating a gentle illumination above.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009) was a pivotal figure in Scandinavian lighting design in the post-war period. Trained both as a cabinetmaker and architect, Jakobsson founded his design company in the 1950s, where he developed a reputation for experimenting with organic forms, layered shades, and materials that influenced the diffusion of light. His designs were rooted in the idea of creating intimate, atmospheric spaces, often avoiding harsh, direct lighting in favor of soft, ambient illumination. The B-221 table lamp exemplifies this design philosophy, blending industrial precision with a poetic lighting effect that enhances the atmosphere of any space.

The lamp is in good vintage condition, with minor surface wear and oxidation typical of untreated brass. While the lamp’s structural integrity is intact and the electrical components appear to be preserved, a technical inspection is recommended before use to ensure full functionality.