Josef Frank candlestick

This is a sculptural brass candlestick titled “The Knot of Friendship” designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. The design is a three-armed candleholder composed of a continuous loop of bent brass bands that form an interlaced structure, symbolizing unity and connection. Each arm terminates in a candle socket with an integrated drip plate, evenly spaced to form a triangular arrangement when viewed from above.

The piece features a bright golden brass surface with subtle patination and traces of verdigris in the interior of the sockets, adding to its aged authenticity. The structure rests on a slightly raised, stable base formed by the curvature of the brass elements themselves, giving the object a light, floating character despite its material solidity. The central joining sphere where the bands intersect serves both a functional and symbolic role, reinforcing the piece’s central theme of interconnectedness.

The candlestick measures 25 cm in diameter and 13 cm in height (9.84 inches wide by 5.12 inches high). It is in good vintage condition with minor signs of usage including light surface wear and subtle oxidation typical of aged brass.

Josef Frank (1885–1967), an Austrian-born architect and designer, became one of the most prominent figures in Swedish modern design after emigrating to Sweden in the 1930s. His work is characterized by a departure from strict functionalism in favor of more expressive and humanistic design ideals. While he is best known for his colorful textile patterns and furniture for Svenskt Tenn, his metalwork, including this candlestick, reflects a refined sculptural sensibility and symbolic depth.

Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924 in Stockholm, is a renowned Swedish interior design company known for its collaborations with Josef Frank and its dedication to high-quality artisanal production. “The Knot of Friendship” remains one of the most iconic and enduring designs from their collection, valued for both its form and the philosophical message it conveys.