Model "B142" Brass Table Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, Sweden ca 1960s
Model "B142" Brass Table Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, Sweden ca 1960s
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
With a legacy spanning over seven decades, Hans-Agne Jakobsson has redefined modern design by effortlessly infusing Scandinavian simplicity with innovation, resulting in pieces like this that transcend time. While Jakobsson designed and produced various types of furniture, his lighting models received the greatest international attention, not without a good reason. Hans-Agne Jakobsson quickly gained prominence for his commitment to craftsmanship and an unwavering dedication to quality materials.
This “B142” table lamp, crafted for AB Markaryd resembles a shimmering beehive, and consists of eight individual cylindrical brass louvers that together create a soft, warm light that is very pleasing to the eye. Thanks to this element, the lamp creates glare-free lighting and stands as proof of the ingenuity of mid-century Swedish lighting designers. Jakobsson’s design philosophy was built on merging form and function, a pursuit that would soon permeate the ethos of Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Through the unique shape of this lamp, the light is beautifully diffused, creating a lovely ambiance. In the context of this model, the louvered shades not only diffuse light in a captivating manner, but imbues the piece with a distinct geometric elegance. The resulting silhouette is a testament to Jakobsson's meticulous attention to detail. The shade is supported by a fairly wide brass base that sits on top of a thin flat foot. The lamp is perfectly balanced, both structurally, with the wider base providing stability and chromatically, the brass body being perfectly complemented by the golden, cosy light.
This table lamp represents a marriage of form and function, a hallmark of Swedish mid-century modern design. Hans-Agne Jakobsson's legacy lives on in pieces like this – timeless examples of how simplicity, combined with thoughtful craftsmanship, can result in lighting fixtures that transcend their utilitarian purpose, becoming works of art in their own right.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired.
Dimensions:
6.69 in ⌀ x 13.58 in H
17 cm ⌀ x 34.5 cm H
About the Designer:
Born in 1919 in Gotland, Sweden, Hans Agne Jakobsson is one of the most well-known Swedish lighting designers. He did his carpenter apprenticeship before studying architecture in Gothenburg.
First working as an industrial designer for General Motors, he later founded his own company after being an assistant to the designers Carl Malmsten and Werner West. In 1950, due to Christmas, he added a model of hanging lamps in small strips of pine in one of his stores to soften the lively lighting of the shop window. The people who were passing by were immediately seduced by this hanging lamp, which started it all. He established his own company in 1951: Hans Agne Jakobsson AB and began producing this model in his factories and achieved success abroad as well. In 50 years, he designed more than 2000 lamps with unique designs.
He used materials and experimented with multiple techniques, for example using fabrics with fringes, blown glass of colour and smoked glass. His great diversity resulted in a wide range of timeless lighting models. These pieces continue to seduce design lovers, as they adapt themselves to any interior, without blending into the background.
Today, Jakobsson’s works can be found in private homes as well as public institutions throughout Sweden. The designer passed away in 2009 in Sweden, leaving behind a great legacy.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Hans-Agne Jakobsson was one of the central figures of Swedish lighting design during the post-war decades. After training as both a carpenter and architect, he founded his own company in Markaryd in 1951, where he developed lighting that softened the harsher qualities of electric illumination through beautiful shades, natural materials, and restrained forms.
Jakobsson designed this pair of wall lamps in the mid-20th century. It was a revolutionary period in design throughout Scandinavia, where function and form merged in the most intriguing ways. The designer prized the marriage of form and function, with a poise that is hard to imitate or force. The shape and materials of the shades set the overall aesthetic of these lamps. The opaque glass is made into a bulbous form with a that narrows towards the bottom, held securely by the brass shade holders. The holders feel airy, slender, and minimal, allowing the focus to be on the shades and the light they emit. The brass construction also creates a rich, warm glow, enhancing the light while exuding a sense of effortless sophistication. The mid-20th century was defined by leading Swedish designers’ sleek and innovative modernist creations, and Jakobsson’s prowess is evident here as these lamps can both stand out or blend into a room, depending on the interior style.
Sconces are a timeless type of lighting fixture that can easily elevate their surroundings. These fixtures never go out of style and have been in use for centuries for good reason. This model is reflective of a time when creativity knew no bounds, and designers were free to explore new horizons in crafting captivating lighting fixtures.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Minor marks and scratches are present. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting.
Dimensions:
5.9 in W x 8.85 in D x 9.05 in H
15 cm W x 22.5 cm D x 23 cm H