Hans-Agne Jakobsson table lamps

This rare pair of table lamps, model B-138, was designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden. The lamps are executed in polished brass with cascading tiers of purple silk fringe, an expressive and textural element characteristic of Jakobsson’s inventive approach to light diffusion. The combination of brass and soft textile gives these pieces a sculptural yet delicate quality, balancing modernist precision with decorative warmth.

Each lamp features a circular brass shade structure with multiple layers of fine silk fringe, arranged in a stepped gradient that gently conceals the light source while producing a soft, glowing effect. The cylindrical stem and circular base are made entirely of polished brass, creating a mirror-like surface that complements the pastel tone of the silk. When illuminated, the fringe transitions from pale purple to warm rose, giving the lamps a dynamic and atmospheric presence.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009) was one of Sweden’s most prolific lighting designers of the mid-20th century. Originally trained as a carpenter and later as an industrial designer, he began his career with General Motors and later worked under Carl Malmsten and Gunnar Asplund before founding his own company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, in Markaryd in 1951. His designs are recognized for their refined sense of proportion and their ability to manipulate light through materials such as glass, metal, and fabric. Jakobsson’s lamps often emphasize mood and tactility, as seen in this model’s interplay between shimmering brass and soft fringe.

The lamps are in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. The brass retains a rich polish with light natural patina, while the silk fringe remains vibrant and intact. These lamps exemplify the decorative sophistication of Jakobsson’s lighting from the 1950s and 1960s, combining sculptural form with an intimate, ambient light quality.

Dimensions: height 63 cm (24.8 inches), diameter 39 cm (15.4 inches).