Steuben Glass Works is the most illustrious name in American art glass. Its vividly colored Art Nouveau and Asian-style wares produced in the early 20th century as well as later modernist works rendered in flawlessly clear crystal are objects of striking beauty and delicacy.
The Steuben Glass Works was cofounded in 1903 in the town of Corning, New York, by Frederick Carder, an alum of celebrated British glassmaker Stevens & Williams and a self-taught English chemist and glassmaker. Carder was a restless experimenter, constantly creating new color formulas that resulted in a wide array of hues, from milky jades to his iridescent Aurene shades. A favorite Carder technique was to acid-etch decorative patterns into pieces made of glass layered in different colors. The forms of his vessels were relatively conservative. Most are based on classic Chinese pottery; many display the flowing, naturalistic lines of the Art Nouveau period.
The larger local firm Corning Glass acquired Steuben in 1918. The company’s approach to art glass changed radically in the early 1930s, when Corning chemists devised a new type of crystal known as 10M, with perfect clarity and brilliant refractive powers. Corning decided that, henceforth, all Steuben decorative objects, vases, sculptures and other wares would be made from the crystal.
Art glass was made in two formats: molded and polished abstract sculptures and figurines, or pieces for which artists used Steuben crystal as a sort of canvas. The first such artwork was sculptor Stanley Waugh’s 1935 Gazelle Bowl, a vessel etched with brawny Art Deco animal forms. In later years, Steuben would invite artists that included Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe and Isamu Noguchi to “paint” in the firm’s crystal.
Steuben glass comes in myriad forms and is available in a broad range of price points. Jewel-toned glasses and tableware from the Carder era include candlesticks marked at $300 and full dinner services for more than $10,000. Small crystal figurines bring around $1,000, while larger sculptures are priced in the neighborhood of $7,000.
Steuben glass, with its impeccable artistry and timeless grace, deserves a place in any collection.
Find antique Steuben glass and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of Mid-Century Sculptural Crystal Candlestick Holders Signed Steuben
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
A testament to timeless elegance, this pair of Mid-Century Modernist candlestick holders by Steuben are sculptural in their simplicity and striking in its craftsmanship. Crafted from...
Crystal
Belgian Crystal Candlesticks Holders Val Saint Lambert, Pair
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of Belgian crystal candlestick holders from luxury maker Val Saint Lambert, Belgium. Pair have a hexagon base (a nice alternative to round) and measure 9.63" Height. Markers' acid mark on bottom "Val Saint Lambert" as shown in last image. Dimensions: 5" base x 9.63" Height. Very Good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Belgian VSL crystal...
Crystal
Set of Three Sculptural Teak Mid Century Modern Candlestick Holders
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage set of three teak cylinder candleholders, circa 1960's. This set comes in three different sizes and complements any Danish modern or contemporary space. Fits 3/4" taper candl...
Teak
$2,356 / set
H 21.78 in Dm 5.4 in
Pair of Large 21.5" Vintage Mid-Century Solid Cast Brass Candlestick Holders
By Maison Jansen
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Monumental 21.7" (inch) tall Mid-Century Modern Japanese made pair of oversized, large-scale table or fireplace mantle candlestick holders or Candelabras in the style of Maison Janse...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Patinated Brass Tube Candlestick Holders
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Elegant, minimalist Mid-Century Modern patinated brass candlestick holders from Scandinavia. Tubular form with 45 degree cut. Can either completely envelope a tea candle so that only...
Brass
$615 / set
H 10.63 in W 3.55 in D 2.37 in
Pair of Sculptural Vintage Brutalist Bronze Candlesticks, signed Wainberg 1960s
By Wainberg Israel
Located in Salzburg, AT
Pair of Sculptural Vintage Shabatt Bronze Candlesticks, signed Wainberg 1960s These striking metal objects from the Wainberg Metal Manufactory, known for its mid-century metal desig...
Brass, Bronze
$260
H 5.25 in W 17 in D 17 in
Mid-20th Century Signed Orrefors Twisted Crystal Candles Holders, a Pair
By Orrefors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of Mid-Century Modern crystal candlestick holders made by Orrefors unusual twist crystal. Nice vintage piece for your living space.
Crystal
Pair mid century Monkey Form Bronze Candlesticks / Candle Holders
Located in New York, NY
Pair of mid century patinated bronze and marble candlesticks (candle holders) depicting seated monkeys, each 7 3/4 inches tall.
Bronze
$365 / set
H 8 in W 3 in D 3 in
Pair of 1970s Green Marble and Brass Candlestick Holders, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Toronto, CA
Elegant and substantial, this vintage pair of candlestick holders from the 1970s is crafted from solid green marble with brass bases and tops. The columnar silhouette draws from Mid-...
Marble, Brass
Art Deco Crystal Fruit Leaf Candlesticks Holders, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of crystal fruit and leaf candlestick holders, Art Deco period, circa early-20th century, Czechoslovakia. Pair encompass crystal grapes, other fruits, and leaves, with cut cry...
Crystal
Mid Century Crystal Candlestick Diamond Top - Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Elevate your decor with this exquisite pair of Mid Century Modern candlesticks featuring cut glass with a distinctive diamond-shaped top. These timeless pieces seamlessly blend vinta...
Crystal
Vintage 1994 Signed Mirrored Candlestick Holders - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking pair of postmodern mirrored candlestick holders is a brilliant fusion of geometric precision and Hollywood Regency glamour. Hand-signed and dated 1994, each obelisk-sha...
Pewter
Mid-Century Multicolored Alabaster Candlestick Holder, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
These two candlestick holder feature smooth, white alabaster holders paired with vibrant, colorful bases in turquoise and yellow. Crafted with a minimalist Mid-century design. This t...
Alabaster
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Spiral Form Crystal Candleholders signed Steuben
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
This unique and elegant Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Spiral Form Crystal Candleholders signed Steuben originates from the United States, Circa 1960. They feature a sleek design with...
Crystal