Candlestick - Brass - Candlestick Capstan

This Portuguese candlestick from the 1920s is crafted in the classic capstan form, a design inspired by the vertical drums used on ships to wind ropes. It features a robust, tapering central shaft with softly rounded profiles, rising from a broad, stable base and finished with a shallow candle socket at the top. The proportions are balanced and solid, reflecting both functionality and understated elegance.

Typical of early 20th-century Portuguese decorative arts, the piece emphasizes clean lines and restrained ornamentation rather than elaborate detailing. The material—commonly brass or bronze—would have been polished originally, developing a warm, natural patina over time that enhances its historical character. Subtle surface wear is consistent with age and use, adding authenticity and charm.

This candlestick represents the transition between traditional craftsmanship and more modern design sensibilities of the 1920s, making it a timeless decorative object as well as a collectible example of Portuguese design heritage.