Mid-Century Swedish Brass Candle Holder by Ystad Metall

There is something pleasingly extravagant about using this much brass to hold a single candle.

Made by the Swedish firm Ystad Metall, this mid-century candle holder turns a very simple domestic object into something altogether more sculptural. Two slender stems of brass rise from the central column before sweeping outwards in broad, curling forms — somewhere between leaves, petals and the unfurling fronds of a plant.

It is a remarkably economical piece of design. Viewed straight on, the symmetry is almost graphic; move around it and the overlapping planes of brass begin to reveal a much more organic form. The candle sits neatly at the centre of the composition, effectively becoming part of the sculpture.

Ystad Metall produced some of Sweden's most distinctive decorative metalwork during the 20th century, often combining the restraint and simplicity associated with Scandinavian modernism with rather more playful, organic forms. This piece sits comfortably within that tradition — decorative certainly, but never fussy.

The brass has been given a light polish, enough to lift the surface and bring back some of its warmth without erasing the evidence of age. Areas of oxidation, spotting, fine scratching and variation in tone remain throughout, giving the metal a mellow, gently timeworn character.

Stamped to the underside with the Ystad Metall maker's mark and Made in Sweden.

A small but unusually expressive piece of Scandinavian design — and considerably more interesting than the average candlestick.