Hans-Agne Jakobsson ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp was designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his own company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, in Markaryd, Sweden during the 1960s. The lamp is crafted entirely from brass and features a large hemispherical shade with a smooth, reflective exterior surface. The interior is lacquered white to optimize light diffusion, enhancing the lamp’s atmospheric quality. Concealed within the shade is a central fixture consisting of three brass arms, each terminating in an upward-facing socket arranged symmetrically around a central brass cylinder. A vertical finial rod extends downward from the center, ending in a spherical brass drop that emphasizes the lamp’s vertical axis and adds a sculptural element.

This design exemplifies Jakobsson’s approach to lighting, focusing on the creation of soft, warm illumination through the interplay of reflective materials and layered forms. The polished brass surface contributes both to the lamp’s reflectivity and its material warmth. Its clean, geometric lines and balanced proportions align with key principles of Scandinavian modernism, while the combination of the dome-like shade and the interior three-arm fixture references both functionalist and decorative lighting traditions.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009) was a prominent Swedish designer noted for his extensive work in lighting design. Trained initially as a cabinetmaker and later as an industrial designer, Jakobsson worked with Carl Malmsten and General Motors before founding his own lighting company in 1951. His designs often explored the relationships between light, shadow, and materiality, frequently employing layered shades and metal finishes. Jakobsson became a leading figure in mid-20th-century Scandinavian lighting design.

This example remains in good original condition, showing minor oxidation, surface marks, and patina consistent with its age and brass material. It is wired for ceiling suspension and intended for ambient overhead lighting.

The shade measures 50 cm in diameter and 45 cm in height (approximately 19.7 by 17.7 inches), with a total drop height of around 110 cm (43.3 inches).