Lars Holmström candlestick

This is a rare handcrafted brass candlestick designed and produced by Lars Holmström in his own workshop located in Arvika, Sweden, during the 1940s. The underside is stamped “Lars Holmström Arvika” confirming both authorship and origin. Holmström was a renowned Swedish metalworker and designer, recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship and for elevating traditional techniques into architecturally expressive forms.

The candlestick is a large horizontal centerpiece designed to accommodate seven taper candles. It is constructed entirely of brass and features a stepped, geometric design that draws from Art Deco and Swedish Grace influences, prevalent in Scandinavian decorative arts of the interwar and early postwar periods. The candle sockets are conically flared and mounted on circular drip plates, which are evenly spaced along a cantilevered armature consisting of a zigzagged horizontal beam. This beam is visually supported by a single brass sphere positioned atop a circular base formed from nested concentric discs, further emphasizing geometric clarity and balance.

The condition is excellent vintage, with minor signs of surface oxidation and patina development, which are typical of aged brass and contribute to the authenticity and aesthetic appeal of the piece. The structure is entirely intact and retains its original dimensions and components.

Lars Holmström (1878–1959) was a key figure in Swedish artisan metalwork, known for his precision and the graphic strength of his forms. His workshop in Arvika produced both unique commissions and small-batch artisanal objects, often incorporating bold formal language with exceptional material quality. This piece exemplifies Holmström’s ability to blend sculptural ambition with functional clarity, making it a significant object within the Scandinavian modernist tradition.

The candlestick measures 52 cm in width, 14.5 cm in depth, and 17.5 cm in height, which corresponds to approximately 20.5 inches wide, 5.7 inches deep, and 6.9 inches high.