Erik Höglund candelabra

This rare hanging candelabra, designed by Erik Höglund and produced by Boda Glasbruk in Sweden, is a powerful expression of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship—an artful synthesis of sculptural metalwork and handblown glass. Created during the 1950s or 1960s, this piece exemplifies Höglund’s deeply personal design language, which merged rustic materials with folkloric and modernist influences to redefine the boundaries between utility and ornament.

The candelabra is constructed from hand-forged wrought iron, shaped into a circular frame with gracefully curved arms, each terminating in a candleholder. The metal is dark and matte in finish, bearing subtle irregularities and tool marks that speak to the artisanal process behind its making. Its heavy, tactile character serves as a visual anchor for the luminous glass elements suspended below.

Adorning the lower portion are a series of handblown glass pendants in clear and vibrant cobalt blue. These circular and oval medallions are thickly cast, some featuring abstract or symbolic motifs pressed into their surface—an homage to Höglund’s fascination with runes, primitive art, and everyday archetypes. Each piece of glass is unique in tone and texture, often incorporating air bubbles or surface irregularities, which add to the dynamic visual rhythm and imbue the candelabra with a raw, elemental quality.

The interplay between the sturdy iron and the glowing, jewel-like glass exemplifies Höglund’s genius for contrast and balance. When lit, the candelabra transforms into a kinetic sculpture—the flickering candlelight refracting through the glass pendants and casting layered shadows and color reflections into the surrounding space.

Erik Höglund (1932–1998) was one of Sweden’s most influential glass and metal artists of the 20th century. Trained at Konstfack in Stockholm, he joined Boda Glasbruk in the early 1950s and radically expanded the creative possibilities of the glass medium. Rather than pursuing technical perfection or refinement, Höglund favored expressive forms, bold color, and a directness of material that was at once earthy and modern. His work in wrought iron, often in collaboration with skilled blacksmiths, paralleled his glass production and allowed him to explore the ritualistic and symbolic aspects of functional objects like chandeliers, sconces, and candelabras.

Boda Glasbruk, located in the heart of Sweden’s “Kingdom of Crystal” was known for nurturing experimental design and became internationally recognized in large part due to Höglund’s groundbreaking work. Together, they produced a range of utilitarian yet artistic objects that helped shape the identity of Swedish design in the postwar period.

This candelabra remains in excellent vintage condition. The iron frame is structurally sound and retains its original dark finish with a soft patina, while the glass pendants are intact, vibrant, and free of major flaws. Their color remains rich and saturated, and the overall composition is well-preserved.