Hans-Agne Jakobsson flower table

This rare flower table was designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, in Markaryd, Sweden during the 1950s. While Jakobsson is primarily recognized for his extensive work in lighting design, this table reflects his application of refined material choices and architectural sensibility to small-scale furniture, resulting in a piece that balances sculptural qualities with practical function.

The table features a construction of black lacquered metal and copper. Its rectilinear frame is composed of four slender, square-profile steel legs connected by horizontal crossbars, forming a minimal and open support structure. This contrasts with the recessed copper planter box, which forms the table’s focal point. The copper has developed a natural, mottled patina with areas of oxidation, particularly on the inner surfaces and bottom. Here, a perforated copper grid serves as both a drainage layer and decorative base. The oxidation presents in varying hues from deep brown to verdigris green and blue, adding a dynamic, aged surface texture.

The form emphasizes strict geometry with thin profiles and open negative space, allowing the copper insert to appear as if it is floating within the frame. The bottom mesh is perforated with a quatrefoil pattern, introducing a subtle decorative rhythm that reveals Jakobsson’s nuanced approach to ornamentation within the constraints of modernism.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson is often associated with Swedish modernism and a poetic use of materials. Although his primary focus was lighting, this flower table demonstrates his broader interest in creating atmospheric interiors by incorporating tactile and visual complexity into functional objects.

The table is in good original condition, showing visible patination, surface marks, and color variations on the copper consistent with age and use. The metal frame remains structurally sound and retains its original matte black lacquer finish, with only minor signs of wear. The dimensions are 67 cm wide, 42 cm deep, and 50.5 cm high, approximately 26.4 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep, and 19.9 inches high.