Sculptural “Sonat” Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall, Sweden

This is a Gunnar Ander “Sonat” candelabra, designed for the Swedish manufacturer Ystad-Metall. After the 1969 merger that created Ystad-Metall’s successor, Scandia Present, the “Sonat” continued to be produced and sold under that name as well.

The design is properly sculptural: a winding, spiral ribbon of black lacquered metal carries four white metal candle cups at staggered heights, with a small hanging ball suspended just below the fourth and highest candle holder, a counterweight that balances the composition and gives the whole piece a sense of quiet motion. It’s a striking example of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design, holding its own as a sculptural object even without a candle lit.

Gunnar Ander was a Swedish industrial designer known for his long association with Ystad-Metall through the 1950s and 60s, and his work is held in numerous Swedish museum collections.

We have two Sonats in white metal in stock, both in very good condition with only minor wear. The white metal shows a lovely natural patina with a few marks consistent with age, nothing that detracts from the piece. Each candelabra holds 4 regular candles, 2.4 cm in diameter.