Josef Frank candlesticks

This rare pair of candlesticks was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. Crafted in brass, the design exemplifies Frank’s distinctive blend of structural clarity and organic form, merging elegance with function in a sculptural silhouette.

Each candlestick features a vertical stem supporting three tiers of gently curving horizontal arms, each terminating in shallow bobeches with candle sockets. The arms are secured by small brass thumb screws, revealing a modular construction and precise joinery. The base comprises three bowed legs, providing both visual balance and stable support.

The brass surfaces exhibit natural patination with visible oxidation, especially within the candle cups and around the joints. The finish displays a varied golden tone, ranging from bright highlights to deeper matte areas, consistent with the piece’s age and material characteristics.

Josef Frank (1885–1967), an Austrian-born architect and designer, played a central role in shaping modern Scandinavian design through his work with Svenskt Tenn. His expressive and humanistic approach often challenged the strict rationalism of modernism by introducing natural motifs and playful forms—even in utilitarian objects such as these candlesticks.

These candlesticks embody Frank’s belief in the importance of beauty and individuality in everyday life. Their dynamic, branching structure recalls both natural forms and classical candelabra, thoughtfully reinterpreted through a modernist lens.

Each candlestick measures 22 cm in diameter and 24 cm in height, approximately 8.7 by 9.4 inches. They are in good vintage condition, showing signs of use and patina appropriate to their age.