Gunnar Ander fire tools

This set of fire tools was designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden during the 1950s. The set comprises a freestanding holder and three essential fireplace tools: a poker, a shovel, and a brush. The structure is formed from blackened iron, with a circular base on tripod-style feet for stability. Each tool features a slender iron shaft and is finished with a turned bamboo handle, offering a distinctive visual contrast between the warm natural material and the cool, industrial frame. The cane-wrapped detail further enhances the tactile and visual richness, tying into mid-century Scandinavian tendencies to blend organic and functional elements.

Gunnar Ander (1908–1976) was a Swedish designer and architect, known for his diverse work in glass, metal, and furniture. He collaborated extensively with Ystad Metall, where he brought a refined modernist language to utilitarian objects. His designs often introduced subtle sculptural qualities and an intuitive sense of proportion, as demonstrated in this fire tool set. The use of bamboo is particularly characteristic of Ander’s work from the 1950s, as it aligned with the Scandinavian ethos of combining craftsmanship with understated elegance.

Ystad Metall was a prominent Swedish manufacturer active in the 20th century, particularly known for its collaborations with designers like Ander. The firm specialized in decorative and functional metal objects and played a significant role in shaping the Swedish modern decorative arts movement.

The overall dimensions of the set, including the stand, are 23 cm in diameter and 82.5 cm in height. In inches, these measurements correspond approximately to 9.1 inches in diameter and 32.5 inches in height. The condition is excellent, with a preserved patina on the iron and bamboo, indicating careful use and preservation.