Nils Fougstedt candlesticks

This pair of sculptural pewter candlesticks, designed by Nils Fougstedt and produced by Svenskt Tenn in 1929, exemplifies early Scandinavian modernist metalwork. The objects are vertically oriented with a slender, tapering silhouette suggestive of stylized natural forms. Each piece is cast with low-relief applied elements along the shaft that resemble abstracted leaves motifs, contributing both decorative articulation and a sense of upward movement. The tops are asymmetrically slanted, giving each piece a dynamic stance and indicating the designer’s sensitivity to natural asymmetry.

The candlesticks are crafted in pewter, a soft metal alloy with a cool, matte silver tone. The surface is uniformly finished, with only minor evidence of oxidation or wear, consistent with their excellent condition. The bases are flat and circular, proportionally grounding the more slender vertical forms above. Their configuration allows them to function interchangeably as candlesticks or vases, a versatility that aligns with modernist ideals of functional elegance.

Nils Fougstedt (1881–1954) was a Swedish sculptor and decorative artist known for his progressive design work in metal, particularly during the late 1920s and 1930s. He was closely associated with Estrid Ericson and the early design ethos of Svenskt Tenn, where he contributed a number of experimental pewter objects. His forms frequently balance stylized naturalism with geometric abstraction, often rendered in tactile materials such as bronze and pewter. Fougstedt’s approach combined elements of Swedish National Romanticism with the formal clarity emerging from the European avant-garde.

Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, became a key proponent of Swedish modern decorative arts. Initially focused on pewter objects—hence the name meaning “Swedish Pewter”—the firm quickly grew into a platform for some of the country’s most prominent designers. During the late 1920s, Ericson commissioned a number of sculptors and metalworkers to develop expressive and often nature-inspired works that bridged craft traditions with modern design sensibilities.

These candlesticks reflect a transitional period in Scandinavian design where ornamentation and simplicity coexisted. The visual language is evocative of Art Deco but executed with restraint and artisanal clarity characteristic of Nordic craftsmanship.

Each piece measures 32 cm in height and 9.5 cm in diameter at the base, equivalent to approximately 12.6 inches tall and 3.7 inches in diameter.