Pair of Black Metal & Copper “Lotus” Candleholders — Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1960s

There is something quietly theatrical about this pair. A matte black conical stem rises from a round black base, and from its midpoint four copper petals splay outward like a flower in full bloom — or perhaps a flame moving around. The copper candle cup at the top echoes the warmth of the petals below, binding the composition together with a wonderful consistency in material.

The contrast between the deep matte black metal and the warm, richly patinated copper is the heart of this design — understated when viewed from a distance, and increasingly rewarding the closer you look. With a slender white taper candle in place the full elegance of the composition becomes clear: the candle seems to grow directly from the flower, as if the whole object were a single organic form.

These candleholders were designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall in Sweden in the 1960s — the same celebrated manufacturer responsible for some of the most collectible Swedish decorative metalwork of the mid-twentieth century. This pair carries the same quality of construction and clarity of concept that characterises the best of Ystad-Metall’s output.

The pair is in good vintage condition. The copper shows a natural patina consistent with age and use — warm, characterful and entirely in keeping with the spirit of the piece. They take tapered candles with a maximum diameter of 12 mm.