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Ystad Metall Sweden
Ystad Metall Liljan Brass Candlestick by Ivar Ålenius-Björk
Ystad Metall Liljan Brass Candlestick by Ivar Ålenius-Björk
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€120,00 EUR
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€120,00 EUR
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A solid brass candlestick designed by Ivar Ålenius-Björk for Ystad Metall in 1939. Known as Liljan, its central cylindrical stem divides into two long, curved wings, giving the piece the outline of an open lily.
The sculptural form is balanced by a simple circular base. Made to hold a standard taper candle, the central opening can also take a small glass insert for use as a single-stem vase. The brass retains its warm, dark aged patina, with areas of oxidation and minor surface marks.
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About the Series: Liljan
Liljan is one of Ivar Ålenius-Björk’s most recognisable designs for Ystad Metall, created in 1939.
The design is built from a very small number of elements. Two elongated brass curves emerge from a circular base and open towards the sides, creating the characteristic shape that gives Liljan its name. The central space is an important part of the composition, keeping the substantial brass from becoming visually heavy.
The original design was conceived with more than one possible use. A small glass insert could be placed between the two curved sections, allowing the object to function as a holder for a single stem. Other versions were produced as candlesticks.
Its appeal comes largely from the relationship between the polished geometry of the base and the softer, almost organic movement of the curved brass. There is very little added decoration; the silhouette does almost all of the work.
About the Designer: Ivar Ålenius-Björk
Ivar Ålenius-Björk (1905–1978) was a Swedish artist whose work included sculpture as well as objects designed for the home.
His artistic background is particularly visible in his approach to three-dimensional form. He was interested in the way a simple shape could create movement, balance and visual tension, using the relationship between solid material and empty space as part of the composition.
He worked in different materials and across very different scales, from smaller designed objects to sculpture and public commissions. His decorative work is generally restrained, with the material and silhouette carrying much of the expression.
Ålenius-Björk is especially associated with Swedish metalwork from the first half of the 20th century. His designs for Ystad Metall show how his sculptural understanding of form could be translated into objects intended for everyday surroundings.
About the Brand: Ystad Metall
Ystad Metall was established in 1919 in Ystad, in southern Sweden, and produced metal objects for the home for much of the 20th century.
The company belongs to a period when Swedish manufacturers were increasingly working with artists and designers to rethink traditional domestic objects. Brass and other metals offered a particularly direct way of exploring this change, since the material itself could provide both structure and visual character.
Ystad Metall’s production covered a broad range of domestic objects rather than a single category. The company’s catalogue included pieces with very different expressions, from restrained functional objects to more sculptural designs.
The company ceased operations in 1969. Its surviving production is now particularly interesting for the way it reflects the development of Swedish metal design across several decades, from the interwar period through the post-war years.
Liljan is one of Ivar Ålenius-Björk’s most recognisable designs for Ystad Metall, created in 1939.
The design is built from a very small number of elements. Two elongated brass curves emerge from a circular base and open towards the sides, creating the characteristic shape that gives Liljan its name. The central space is an important part of the composition, keeping the substantial brass from becoming visually heavy.
The original design was conceived with more than one possible use. A small glass insert could be placed between the two curved sections, allowing the object to function as a holder for a single stem. Other versions were produced as candlesticks.
Its appeal comes largely from the relationship between the polished geometry of the base and the softer, almost organic movement of the curved brass. There is very little added decoration; the silhouette does almost all of the work.
About the Designer: Ivar Ålenius-Björk
Ivar Ålenius-Björk (1905–1978) was a Swedish artist whose work included sculpture as well as objects designed for the home.
His artistic background is particularly visible in his approach to three-dimensional form. He was interested in the way a simple shape could create movement, balance and visual tension, using the relationship between solid material and empty space as part of the composition.
He worked in different materials and across very different scales, from smaller designed objects to sculpture and public commissions. His decorative work is generally restrained, with the material and silhouette carrying much of the expression.
Ålenius-Björk is especially associated with Swedish metalwork from the first half of the 20th century. His designs for Ystad Metall show how his sculptural understanding of form could be translated into objects intended for everyday surroundings.
About the Brand: Ystad Metall
Ystad Metall was established in 1919 in Ystad, in southern Sweden, and produced metal objects for the home for much of the 20th century.
The company belongs to a period when Swedish manufacturers were increasingly working with artists and designers to rethink traditional domestic objects. Brass and other metals offered a particularly direct way of exploring this change, since the material itself could provide both structure and visual character.
Ystad Metall’s production covered a broad range of domestic objects rather than a single category. The company’s catalogue included pieces with very different expressions, from restrained functional objects to more sculptural designs.
The company ceased operations in 1969. Its surviving production is now particularly interesting for the way it reflects the development of Swedish metal design across several decades, from the interwar period through the post-war years.
Details
Origin: Sweden
Design Year: 1939
Production Period: 1940s–1960s
Designer: Ivar Ålenius-Björk
Manufacturer: Ystad Metall Sweden
Model: Liljan
Material: Solid brass
Components: 1 candlestick
Dimensions: 12.5 cm H × 20 cm W
Design Year: 1939
Production Period: 1940s–1960s
Designer: Ivar Ålenius-Björk
Manufacturer: Ystad Metall Sweden
Model: Liljan
Material: Solid brass
Components: 1 candlestick
Dimensions: 12.5 cm H × 20 cm W
Condition
Very good vintage condition. The brass structure is straight, solid and stable, and holds a standard taper candle securely. The surface retains its aged patina, with minor oxidation and superficial marks consistent with age. It has deliberately not been polished in order to preserve the original character of the brass.
Care
Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and polishing compounds; the brass has been left with its aged patina to preserve its original character.