There’s an undeniable magic to a flickering candle flame – a primal shift from darkness to light, an ancient beacon of warmth. Its golden embrace fills a room, not just with illumination, but with an intangible comfort that soothes the soul. Daniel Rybakken’s Reflet Candle Holder for Eldvarm doesn’t merely preserve this intimacy; it elevates it into a sculptural ritual, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Scandinavian light.
A Nod to Nordic Heritage
The Reflet collection draws its profound inspiration from the traditional ‘adventsljusstake’ – the iconic four-candle holder progressively lit during Advent in countless Swedish homes. Rybakken, who grew up in Norway where the steady glow of candlelight was a familiar winter window scene, found the emotional resonance of illumination a natural genesis for his design. This isn’t about reserving candlelight for grand occasions; it’s about weaving its gentle presence into the fabric of daily life.
The collection reinterprets this cherished Scandinavian practice through two elegant linear compositions: the intimate Reflet II, designed for two candles, and the expansive Reflet IV, echoing its Advent origins with four, serving as a year-round sculptural centrepiece.
Crafted Duality: Brass, Texture, and Light
Rybakken’s mastery of reductive form is immediately apparent in the Reflet. Each piece is meticulously crafted from hand-cast solid brass. The base, sandcast, boasts a raw, tactile surface that proudly bears the unique imprint of its creation. In striking contrast, long, slender polished cylinders ascend gracefully, presenting clean, vertical lines. This deliberate interplay of textures – the rugged and the refined, the grounded weight and the ethereal lift – forges a quiet duality that is both robust and exquisitely delicate.
Every base is hand-poured and finished in small batches, ensuring that each Reflet holder possesses a subtle, individual character. Left uncoated, the brass is designed to evolve; owners can choose to polish it to maintain its pristine gleam or allow it to develop a rich, natural patina over time, telling its own story.
Elevating the Flame
The polished brass cylinders are ingeniously proportioned, their diameter closely mirroring that of the candle itself. This thoughtful design visually elongates the flame, making it appear as a natural extension of the form. By lifting the light source higher above the surface, Rybakken’s design grants the flame a distinct clarity and presence, allowing it to stand apart from the everyday visual clutter.
Versatility Beyond Illumination
Beyond its primary function, the Reflet candleholder reveals a remarkable versatility. The polished brass tubes are fully reversible and watertight, effortlessly transforming the piece into a slender vase. Imagine a single, elegant stem or a delicate arrangement gracing your space, moving fluidly between seasons – the warm glow of candlelight in winter, the fresh vibrancy of blooms in spring. This adaptability ensures that a single branch can command the same composed presence as a dancing flame.
The cylinders are also easily removed for cleaning or refilling, further underscoring the object’s thoughtful, user-centric design. Affixed within a solid base that conveys a distinct visual weight, the overall composition feels inherently stable and intentional. Yet, this perceived weight is artfully counterbalanced by the interplay of textures; the satin-polished cylinders deftly catch and reflect ambient light, becoming active, dynamic participants in the room’s evolving atmosphere. The Reflet is truly beholden to the light within its space, responding subtly and beautifully to its surroundings.
Scandinavian Maximalism: Quietly Expressive
In their bold simplicity, the Reflet pieces embody what Eldvarm eloquently describes as a form of “Scandinavian maximalism” – a design philosophy that is quiet in its aesthetic yet profoundly expressive in its impact. As the evening draws to a close and the flame dwindles, a wisp of smoke marks the return to zero, a necessary cooling after a powerful warmth. With the Reflet, Daniel Rybakken offers a heightened, modern interpretation of an age-old ritual, lifting either flame or flower above the mundane, and creating a serene space for reflection long after the light has faded.
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