Tage Fougstedt Candelabras

This rare pair of pewter candelabras was designed by Swedish artist and designer Tage Fougstedt in 1924 and exemplifies the Swedish Grace movement—an early 20th-century design style that combined neoclassical elegance with restrained modernism. Crafted during the interwar period, the candelabras reflect a sophisticated balance between ornamental detail and structural clarity.

Each candelabrum stands 24 cm high (approximately 9.4 inches) and is composed of a central baluster-shaped shaft rising from a circular base. The base is finely engraved with decorative motifs that reflect the geometric and stylized floral patterns characteristic of the Swedish Grace aesthetic. The vertical column supports two symmetrically curved arms extending outward, each terminating in a rounded candle socket designed to accommodate standard taper candles.

The pewter material, with its soft metallic sheen and subtle patina, underscores the quiet luxury typical of this design era. The subdued finish lends the pieces a timeless quality while also emphasizing the precise proportions and graceful curvature of the arms. The overall form is symmetrical and balanced, with a measured sense of ornamentation that avoids excess.

Tage Fougstedt (1881–1954) was a Swedish artist and designer associated with the refinement of early 20th-century applied arts in Sweden. He worked across mediums including metalwork, illustration, and sculpture, and was active during a period of significant artistic evolution in Scandinavian design. His metalwork, especially in pewter and silver, is noted for its elegance and technical control. Fougstedt’s contributions to Swedish Grace positioned him among the key figures in the movement, which sought to modernize classical design principles through contemporary craftsmanship and proportion.

The candelabras remain in very good condition, with minor signs of age and wear, such as light surface abrasions and a softening of the engraved details, which attest to their authenticity and period use. They represent an important example of early 20th-century Scandinavian decorative arts, merging artistry with functionality in a form both refined and historically significant.