Solid Brass and Cobalt Blue Art Glass Candle Holders by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1950s

A beautiful set of iconic Swedish mid-century candle holders designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall in the early 1950s. This group includes two four-arm versions and one two-arm version of one of Ander’s most celebrated and commercially successful designs.

The candle holders are distinguished by their striking drip trays in deep cobalt blue art glass, produced by Lindshammar Glasbruk, a renowned Swedish glassworks that collaborated closely with Ystad-Metall on designs incorporating coloured glass elements. The vivid blue glass creates a beautiful contrast with the warm brass structure, giving the pieces both elegance and a strong decorative presence.

The design was first introduced in 1953 as model 3247-77, featuring a single candle holder on a round brass base. Its immediate popularity led to an expanded series in 1954, including the two-candle version (model 3248-77) and four-candle version (model 3249-77) offered here. The success of the design was so significant that it inspired numerous imitations by competitors, many of which appeared unmarked despite legal efforts to protect the original concept.

All examples presented here are authentic, clearly stamped with the designer’s marks alongside “Ystad-Metall” and “Made in Sweden.” Crafted from solid brass, the candle holders have a pleasing weight and quality that reflects the high manufacturing standards of the period.

Condition is very good overall. The two four-candle versions remain in excellent vintage condition with impeccable glass drip trays. The two-candle model shows some age-related wear to the brass base, and one glass tray has a fine hairline crack without chips, consistent with careful use over time. The candle holders take tapered candles with a maximum diameter of around 12 mm. A timeless set that captures the optimism and craftsmanship of Swedish modern design.