Gunnar Ander Black Lacquered Candelabra for Ystad Metall, Sweden 1950s

Gunnar Ander was an industrial designer and architect, and one of the brightest stars of 20th-century Swedish metal, wood, and glass design. His most well-known models are the innovative designs for Ystad Metall, such as this unique pair of candle holders. His designs are represented in numerous museums in Sweden. These black lacquered wrought iron and brass “Sonata” candle holders have an intrinsically modern, sculptural look. The versatile shapes and forms come alive thanks to the modern materials and the colour choice. Like with lamps, it says a lot about a design when it stands out even without its source of light, in this case, candles. With home improvements...

Gunnar Ander was an industrial designer and architect, and one of the brightest stars of 20th-century Swedish metal, wood, and glass design. His most well-known models are the inn...

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...

The artists of Nordic Art Nouveau took inspiration from organic and natural forms, resulting in elegant designs with sinuous curves and lines. As this cleve...

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...

In 1934, Josef Frank made his first attempt at modernizing the classic candelabra. With softly swaying forms, he eliminated the base in the middle, ...

Set of candelabras designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall in the 1950s. Made in brass with six arms. Original condition with patina. Marked on bottom.

Brass and blackened metal candelabra for thin candles. Designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall Sweden. Stamped “Ystad Metall Made In Sw...

A pair of Gunnar Ander seven-armed candelabras in metal with bronze tops. Manufactured by Ystad Metall in the 1970s.     

A pair of Gunnar Ander candelabras in metal with bronze tops. Manufactured by Ystad Metall. 1970s.     

Four arm candelabra by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander (1908-1976) for Ystad Metall, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The candelabra is made from brass and shaped as four...

Swedish Modernist candle holder by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Stylised flowers in brass on 4 asymmetrical black enameled steel ...