Hans-Agne Jakobsson wall lamps

These rare wall lamps, model S1591, were designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced in 1953 in Åhus, Sweden, by his own firm. As with much of Jakobsson’s work from this period, these lamps exemplify a nuanced approach to form, material, and light diffusion—hallmarks of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design.

Each lamp features a softly rounded, bulbous glass shade with a delicately crackled texture. This hand-finished surface imparts a tactile quality and enhances the way light is diffused through the glass. The glass itself is tinted in a subtle tone—ranging from smoky pink to light lavender—adding visual warmth and sophistication to the lamp even when unlit. This soft coloration, combined with the semi-translucent and irregular finish, ensures a diffuse, ambient glow when the lamp is illuminated, contributing to the atmospheric effect for which Jakobsson was known.

Above the glass shade is a copper cap in the form of a perforated cone. The conical top features a ring of small circular perforations, allowing light to escape and creating a halo-like pattern on the surrounding surfaces. The copper has aged gracefully, developing a distinctive greenish patina that enhances the lamps’ vintage character. This natural aging process highlights the material’s authenticity and adds depth to its surface.

The lamps are mounted on angular metal brackets that contrast with the softness of the glass and copper elements. This structural detail anchors the design visually and functionally, offering a geometric counterpoint to the organic curves of the upper and lower components. The interplay between rounded and angular forms demonstrates Jakobsson’s skill in balancing visual weight and compositional rhythm.

Condition is good vintage, with signs of age such as patina on the copper, minor surface wear, and small irregularities in the glass that are consistent with handcrafted production and decades of use. These qualities contribute to the lamps’ historical authenticity and aesthetic appeal.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009) was a central figure in Swedish lighting design. His work often prioritized the emotional and atmospheric qualities of light, employing natural materials, subtle forms, and artisanal techniques to craft objects that were both functional and poetic. Model S1591 is a prime example of this ethos—designed not just to illuminate, but to create mood and texture within an interior.

Each lamp measures 24 cm in width, 36 cm in depth, and 40 cm in height (9.4 x 14.2 x 15.7 inches), making them ideal for use as accent lighting in entryways, bedrooms, or living spaces where sculptural presence and soft light are desired. These lamps are rare, early examples of Jakobsson’s signature aesthetic and an important addition to the history of Scandinavian modern lighting.