Hans-Agne Jakobsson ceiling lamps

This rare pair of ceiling lamps, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his firm Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden during the 1950s, exemplifies the designer’s commitment to creating atmospheric lighting through refined materiality and careful modulation of form. These fixtures are outstanding examples of mid-century Scandinavian modernism, combining architectural rhythm with luminous softness.

Each lamp features a geometric composition of eight cylindrical shades arranged in a clean grid pattern. These drum-shaped housings are crafted from polished brass, presenting a warm reflective surface that has aged with a natural patina. The brass contributes both visual richness and a sense of sculptural weight, while maintaining the lightness of form characteristic of Jakobsson’s work. Inside each cylinder, concentric rings and original plastic diffusers are employed to soften the emitted light, minimizing glare and creating a gentle, ambient glow. This layered approach to light diffusion was a signature of Jakobsson’s practice, aimed at achieving illumination that is visually comfortable and atmospherically expressive.

The entire structure is suspended from dual brass rods that attach to matching ceiling canopies. These rods not only provide physical support but also contribute to the overall vertical rhythm of the design, echoing the linear regularity of the shade arrangement below. The grid-like composition, combined with the modularity of the individual lights, gives the fixture an architectural presence that is well-suited to both private and public interiors, particularly those in need of diffuse, evenly distributed illumination.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson’s background in architecture and his early work with notable designers such as Carl Malmsten and Werner West shaped his holistic understanding of interior environments. Founding his own company in 1951, Jakobsson emphasized a design philosophy that fused natural materials with modern forms, prioritizing human-scale lighting experiences. His brass, wood, and glass fixtures from the 1950s and 60s are now considered icons of Scandinavian lighting design, valued for their sculptural beauty and technical ingenuity.

Each lamp in this pair measures 130 cm in width, 48 cm in depth, and 105 cm in height (51.2 x 18.9 x 41.3 inches), making them substantial in scale and ideal for dining areas, open-plan interiors, or architectural settings requiring visual statement pieces. The condition is consistent with careful vintage preservation, with minor wear and patina on the brass surfaces adding character and authenticity.

Together, these lamps offer a rare opportunity to acquire matching, large-scale examples of Hans-Agne Jakobsson’s celebrated lighting designs.