Scandinavian Modern B-142 Table Lamp in Brass by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, 1950s

This rare table lamp, model B-142, was designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his own firm, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden. It represents Jakobsson’s distinctive approach to lighting design, characterized by a focus on soft, ambient illumination and the use of elegant, often understated materials. The lamp is fabricated entirely from polished brass, which imparts a warm, reflective surface and an overall golden tone. The finish has developed some patina and surface wear, typical of vintage brass, adding historical depth and authenticity to the piece.

The lamp’s form is constructed around a cylindrical base, proportionally balanced to support a vertically ribbed brass shade. This shade consists of stacked, concentric bands that are slightly spaced, allowing light to escape laterally through the grooves. The effect is one of filtered illumination, with the ribs diffusing the light softly and producing a nuanced interplay of shadow and highlight around the lamp. The top of the shade is fitted with a perforated brass mesh disk, which both ventilates the heat from the bulb and further modulates the upward light emission, contributing to the lamp’s subdued glow.

This design offers a combination of geometric discipline and atmospheric lighting. The brass surfaces, while polished, retain some oxidation and minor imperfections consistent with age, enhancing the lamp’s material integrity and character. The construction is solid, and the lamp remains in good vintage condition overall.

Hans-Agne Jakobsson, active primarily from the 1950s through the 1970s, is recognized for transforming utilitarian lighting into sculptural and emotional objects. His use of brass in this model highlights his sensitivity to material behavior and light diffusion. Jakobsson’s designs continue to be valued for their combination of functional efficiency and decorative subtlety, with many pieces becoming collector’s items in the field of Scandinavian design.

Additional information:
Producer: Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB
Color: Gold
Decade: 1950s
Country: Sweden
Style: Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern
Material: Brass
Designed in: 1950s
Dimensions: Dia 17 x 32.5 H cm
Seller Ref. No.: 230491