Driade - Borek Sipek - Candleholder - Silvered bronze - SIMON

This highly iconic “SIMON” candelabra was designed in the 1980s by the renowned Czech-born designer Borek Sipek for the celebrated Italian design company Driade. It is regarded as one of the most distinctive and collectible examples of European Postmodern design from the period. Executed in silver-plated metal, the piece measures approximately 47 cm in height with a maximum diameter of 39 cm, and retains the original stamped “driade” mark underneath. The overall condition is very good, showing only light and normal signs of use.

Rather than functioning as a conventional candelabra, “SIMON” is best understood as a form of functional sculpture, combining elements of sculpture, architecture, and decorative art. The composition is formed by seven asymmetrically extending candle arms, whose fluid lines resemble organically growing branches or vines, creating a dynamic and rhythmically balanced spatial structure. The removable central vase element allows the piece to function simultaneously as a candelabra, flower holder, and sculptural object, perfectly reflecting Sipek’s visionary approach to the relationship between functionality and visual expression.

Widely regarded as one of the most poetic and experimental designers of the late twentieth century, Borek Sipek (1949–2016) became known for merging Baroque-inspired ornamentation, architectural structure, and theatrical forms into highly imaginative works that blurred the boundaries between art and design. Challenging the restraint and rationalism of Modernism, his creations embraced complexity, fantasy, and expressive individuality. “SIMON” remains one of his most important and recognizable works: its flowing asymmetrical structure, reflective silver-plated surfaces, and dramatic spatial tension combine to create an object of remarkable elegance, theatricality, and sculptural presence.

Created during Driade’s most innovative and experimental period, the work also stands as an important example of the company’s celebrated “The Art of Objects” philosophy. Early versions produced during the 1980s were manufactured in relatively limited numbers and remain scarce on the market today. As a result, original examples bearing the Driade stamp are highly sought after among collectors of Postmodern design, Italian Radical Design, and important twentieth-century decorative arts.

As one of Borek Sipek’s most celebrated designs, “SIMON” transcends its utilitarian function to become a sculptural statement piece that perfectly captures the bold exploration of form, ornament, and spatial expression that defined European Postmodern design in the 1980s.