Hans-Agne Jakobsson ceiling lamp

The ceiling lamp model T-261/6, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his firm Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden during the 1950s, exemplifies the designer’s refined approach to atmospheric lighting through a combination of industrial elegance and subtle diffusion techniques. As a rare and distinctive mid-century lighting fixture, it highlights Jakobsson’s consistent focus on both material tactility and light modulation.

Constructed from brass, the lamp features a symmetrical horizontal frame that supports six cylindrical shades. Each shade is crafted from brass and fitted with its original plastic diffuser, which is embossed with a grid pattern. This textured surface plays a key role in softening the emitted light, ensuring an even distribution while reducing glare. The grid also introduces a geometric visual texture that subtly contrasts the clean lines and polished finish of the brass, enhancing both light behavior and decorative interest.

The brass components have aged gracefully, developing a warm, natural patina that enriches the visual depth and authenticity of the piece. The lamp is suspended from the ceiling by two slender brass rods, which connect to matching circular canopies. This dual suspension system provides stability and reinforces the lamp’s balanced horizontal composition. The canopies and rods are minimally intrusive, allowing the design to appear suspended in space with a graceful presence.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson’s design philosophy centered on the emotive quality of lighting, often seeking to replicate the effect of candlelight through diffused, ambient solutions. His experimentation with shade forms, layering, and light filtering materials enabled him to create a distinct body of work that resonated with the softer, humanistic values of Scandinavian modernism. The T-261/6 lamp, with its restrained industrial aesthetic and carefully engineered illumination, embodies these ideals.

With dimensions of 159 cm in width, 48.5 cm in depth, and 80 cm in height (62.6 x 19.1 x 31.5 inches), the T-261/6 is well-suited for use above dining tables, in open-plan interiors, or within larger architectural environments where its linear form can assert spatial rhythm and focal presence. Its condition is consistent with careful vintage preservation: the brass surface shows natural oxidation and minor surface marks, which underscore its age and historical context without detracting from its structural integrity or aesthetic impact.

This piece is a rare example of Jakobsson’s work in larger format ceiling lighting and remains a significant artifact within the broader history of Scandinavian lighting design. It is both a functional illumination device and a sculptural composition, reflecting the designer’s ability to merge craft, material, and atmosphere into a cohesive whole.