Jens Quistgaard Set of Ten Bulb-Shaped Candleholders

A vintage 1960s set of ten sculptural bulb-shaped candleholders designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs.

The form, weight, and high-quality finish of these candleholders are extremely satisfying. Like the most enduring mid-century Scandinavian designs, each candleholder expresses an abstract botanical form inspired by nature.

The fluid form of the teardrop-shaped holder is both alien and organic. The bulbous body, tapering neck and subtly lipped mouth convey something akin to a closed elongated flower bud that might spring open at any moment.

This dormant energy is emphasised by the bi-level bottom that allows the bud to be displayed at a slant as well as upright. Cast in perhaps a gun metal, the weight of the holder is heavy which ensures stability even when in the inclined position and fitted with the extremely long taper candles intended for this design.

The silver-plated finish on each piece in this set is perfect. Most are beautifully naturally tarnished, however, two are a bright gleaming silver. All could be polished should you wish.

We acquired this full set from the estate of the Elizabeth Martens, the wife of Ronald Stennett-Willson. Together, from 1960, these two ran Choses (French for ‘All Things’), an avant-garde lifestyle shop in Hampstead, London, which sold Modernist glass, ceramics, and other homewares with a Nordic bias. However, this was just one of many noteworthy achievements of this couple who had a significant impact on, firstly, the perception of Scandinavian design in Britain and, secondly, design in general.