Hans-Agne Jakobsson ceiling lamp

This ceiling lamp, model T-603, was designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his own firm, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, during the 1960s. It serves as an exemplary piece of Jakobsson’s approach to atmospheric lighting, characterized by his use of unconventional materials such as silk fringe to diffuse light gently and decoratively.

The lamp features a stepped cylindrical core structure made of polished brass, from which the light source is suspended. The body of the lamp descends from a matching brass ceiling canopy, suspended by a twisted fabric-covered electrical cord. The central brass element is crowned with a tiered finial, adding a sense of geometric formality and visual balance to the design. Below this, the light source is concealed behind cascading tiers of cream-colored silk fringe. These multiple layers of fringe, arranged in horizontal bands, soften the directness of the light while producing a delicate shimmer, creating a uniquely tactile lighting element that adds texture to the environment.

The brass components have a warm golden hue, with a smooth, reflective finish that contrasts subtly with the matte softness of the silk fringe. This interplay of materials—polished brass and soft textile—reflects Jakobsson’s penchant for combining different textures, a hallmark of his more theatrical lighting designs. His work often bridged functional lighting with visual storytelling, creating an ambiance that is both practical and evocative.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009) was one of the most celebrated Swedish lighting designers of the mid-20th century. Known for his exploration of ambient light and glare-free diffusion, Jakobsson frequently used unexpected materials such as wood veneers, glass, and textiles to shape interior environments through light. His firm in Markaryd gained international recognition, collaborating with leading architects and interior designers across Europe and exporting widely.

This lamp is a distinctive example of Jakobsson’s experiments in light diffusion and tactile presence. It fits well within the broader Scandinavian modern design ethos while introducing an element of decorative opulence that contrasts with the often stark minimalism of the period.

The lamp measures 39 cm in diameter and 120 cm in height (approximately 15.4 inches in diameter and 47.2 inches high).

The condition of the lamp is excellent, with minor age-appropriate patina on the brass and intact silk fringe. This model is a rare and highly collectible design object, merging craftsmanship with functional lighting in an elegant and sculptural ceiling-mounted form.