Pair of 1970s Bronze and Nickeled Bronze Modernist Candlesticks Sold by Gump’s

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This strikingly handsome pair of Modernist candlesticks was created by Norman Grag, a California metal-smith and artist, in 1978; Grag’s … Read more This strikingly handsome pair of Modernist candlesticks was created by Norman Grag, a California metal-smith and artist, in 1978; Grag’s father Hans had immigrated from Germany in 1927. This pair of candlesticks represents two of the four which Grag sold to Gump’s, the world-famous San Francisco department store, in that year. Grag’s descendants continue his tradition and still operate the business (Grag Studios), crafting and selling fine lighting and other objects for the home.

As you can see from the photos, nearly every surface of these candlesticks has been hand-beaten, providing that shimmering effect when we look out over the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon. Many other premiere French, German, and Danish artists employed this technique during the Art Deco period. In the USA, Dirk Van Erp is probably best known for his hand-hammered goods.

Silver is particularly well-suited to this technique.

These candlesticks were finished in what the company calls “nickel-bronze.” The underlying metal is bronze, plated with a polished nickel finish. They’re quite heavy as a result, and I presume there’s an iron or lead weight in the base (they weigh over 1 1/2 pounds each!).

As you can see, they’re beautiful signed as well as crafted. Each candlestick is 5 ¾” tall and the decorative element above the base measures about 4 inches in diameter.

On the table, these candlesticks help create an atmosphere of elegance and beauty. They occupy a place in California’s artistic tradition and history. See less