Black Painted Metal Cat Candle Holder, Snuffer & Original Label by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1950s/60s

This striking candle holder is a beautiful example of the playful yet elegant animal designs created by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander. Known for his sculptural approach to everyday objects, Ander designed a wide range of animal-shaped candle holders, with cats becoming one of his most recognizable motifs. This larger model was produced by Ystad-Metall in Sweden during the late 1950s and early 1960s, a period when the company gained international recognition for combining modern Scandinavian design with skilled metal craftsmanship. As artistic director at Ystad-Metall, Ander played a key role in shaping the company’s distinctive mid-century aesthetic.

The cat is constructed from bent cast-iron wire, carefully shaped and welded to form the elegant silhouette. The feet are finished with black-painted solid wooden balls, echoed by the decorative sphere beneath the candle holder. The paint on both the wooden elements and the metal frame remains in very good condition.

The piece is in excellent vintage condition with only minor signs of use. It retains its original label and even includes the original candle snuffer used to extinguish the flame — a detail that makes this set particularly rare to find complete today.