Swedish Brass Candelabra

A six-armed organic brass candelabra designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Fits 0.80” diameter candles

An organic brass candelabra designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Candle Diameter (inches): 0.75”

A brass candelabra, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s.

Josef Frank designed Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) as a symbol of friendship and peace at a time when Europe was filled with turmoil. The very first sketch of the candelabra dates back to 1938, just a year before the outbreak of the Second World War, but it is as relevant now as it was then. The Austrian designer and architect may be best known for his vivid textiles for Swedish firm Svenskt Tenn, but his artistic touch reached far beyond textiles and created iconic objects such as this candle holder. The elaborate brass structure intertwines at multiple points, but the brass rods only meet in the middle where a small sphere connects them. Each of the three brass cup have so-called chambersticks, small pans to catch dripping wax. The looping calligraphic design gives this piece a weightless grace that is stunning even without the symbolism behind it. The body’s busy look is completed and balanced by the long candles. The design changes from angle to angle and shows Frank’s sensitive touch. The Knot of Friendship has become an iconic object not only in Svenskt Tenn’s range, but also of Sweden. The production traditionally required a process of thorough methodology and great craftsmanship. Josef Frank was the most prestigious designer in the Stockholm design company Svenskt Tenn (Swedish Pewter), recruited by the founder of the company, Estrid Ericson herself. Since 2018, after a careful assessment of Josef Frank’s original drawing, the candelabra regained its original form from 1938 under the hands of Svenskt Tenn. However, the production of this well-known and widely-loved candle holder...

Although electricity has relegated candleholders to decorative use, interior designers continue to favour candelabra for their cosy light and eye-catching appearance. Josef Frank modernized the classic...

Candelabra / Candleholder in solid brass wit five rare candlerings in white colored metal. Attributed to Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, mid-1900s / Swedish Modern. Adjustable...