Josef Frank candlestick

The three-armed brass candlestick known as “The Knot of Friendship” was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Originally conceived in 1938, this model stands as one of Frank’s most iconic and symbolically rich decorative objects.

The candlestick is crafted from polished brass and features a continuous ribbon-like loop that weaves into a central knot, from which three candleholders extend. Each arm is formed from flat brass stock bent into fluid, intersecting curves, conveying both structural tension and a rhythmic decorative quality. The design reflects Frank’s fascination with organic forms and symbolic gestures, evoking themes of continuity, unity, and human connection. Viewed from above, the composition is fully symmetrical, arranged in a triangular configuration around the central knot.

The brass surface shows signs of gentle polishing and minor age-related irregularities and patina, indicative of careful use and preservation. The finish maintains a warm golden tone with reflective highlights that enhance the sculptural quality of the piece.

The candlestick measures 22 cm in diameter and 16 cm in height (approximately 8.7 inches wide and 6.3 inches tall).

Josef Frank (1885–1967) was a pivotal figure in Swedish modernism, notable for rejecting austere functionalism in favor of designs that emphasized expressiveness and a human-centered approach. His collaboration with Svenskt Tenn, founded by Estrid Ericson in 1924, produced a distinguished body of work blending Viennese elegance with Swedish craftsmanship and decorative subtlety.