Hans-Agne Jakobsson table lamp

The B-138 table lamp, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his own firm in Markaryd, Sweden during the 1960s, is a quintessential example of his unique and atmospheric approach to lighting. This very rare model captures Jakobsson’s mastery in transforming simple forms into warm, visually expressive design objects through innovative materiality and light diffusion techniques.

The lamp’s foundation is a polished brass frame, elegantly proportioned with a cylindrical base and a slim central stem. Over the decades, the brass has developed a soft, even patina, enriching its surface with a muted golden tone that enhances its vintage character. The form of the base is understated and clean, allowing the shade to take center stage while providing a refined and stable presence.

What defines the B-138 lamp is its distinctive silk fringe shade—a design signature for which Jakobsson is widely recognized. Composed of multiple tiers of finely woven silk fringe, the shade is arranged in a cascading, layered silhouette that combines movement with structure. The vibrant red color of the fringe adds a dramatic yet elegant visual impact, creating a deep chromatic warmth even when the lamp is unlit.

When illuminated, the fringes filter the light gently, creating a soft, glowing halo effect that enhances the surrounding atmosphere without glare. The layered fringe adds a textural dimension, transforming the light source into a glowing sculptural object. This interplay of shadow and softness was central to Jakobsson’s design ethos, as he sought to evoke mood and intimacy through lighting that responded to both material and spatial context.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009), an influential Swedish designer, was known for his departure from stark modernism in favor of a more sensual, atmospheric interpretation of light. Drawing inspiration from nature and traditional Nordic interiors, he used materials such as wood, metal, glass, and fringe to diffuse light in poetic ways. His designs, often produced under his own brand Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, became icons of Swedish lighting in the 1950s–1970s and remain highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts.

This example of the B-138 model is in excellent vintage condition. The brass base and stem exhibit minor surface marks and a mellow patina consistent with age, while the silk fringe remains vibrant, supple, and intact. There is no sagging or fading, indicating that the piece has been carefully preserved.

As a rare and evocative lighting piece, the B-138 table lamp embodies the best of Jakobsson’s vision—sculptural, atmospheric, and tactile. It functions not only as a source of light but also as a statement object, ideal for interiors that celebrate rich textures, soft illumination, and mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship.