Gunnar Ander umbrella stand

This small umbrella stand was designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall in Sweden during the 1950s. The piece exemplifies mid-century Swedish metalwork, combining clean, functional design with refined craftsmanship.

The stand features a slender vertical rod finished in black lacquer, rising from a shallow circular drip tray supported by four small rounded feet. The tray is designed to catch residual water, serving both practical and protective purposes. At the top, a circular brass holder is divided into three equal compartments by radial internal supports, allowing umbrellas or canes to be neatly organized. An additional oval brass ring extends vertically from the holder, functioning as a handle that enhances portability while contributing to the visual balance of the design.

The juxtaposition of black lacquered metal and polished brass creates an elegant yet restrained contrast. Both materials display a patina and surface wear consistent with the piece’s age and typical use, particularly visible on the brass elements and base plate.

Gunnar Ander (1908–1976), a Swedish architect and designer, was known for his work with glass, metal, and lighting. Closely affiliated with Ystad-Metall, a company celebrated for high-quality artisanal metalwork, Ander’s designs bridge traditional craftsmanship and modernist ideals with clean lines, functional forms, and subtle decorative details.

The umbrella stand measures 20.5 cm in diameter and 63 cm in height, approximately 8.1 inches wide and 24.8 inches tall.