ONCE man worked out how to make fire, the flickering flame in its many forms has captivated humans.
However, with the advent of modern lighting, cooking and heating appliances, people seldom have the pleasure of watching flames work their magic in domestic settings. Maybe this obsession has also been replaced by the entrancing flicker of television screens.
Gorgeous gas fires add ambience but numerous homeowners are turning to heat pumps for effective and efficient heating, which leaves few modern situations when a flame will be seen.
In an endeavour to create a feeling of warmth and harmonious light, candles can produce an entrancing glow.
Little is known about the history of candles but they were probably used since at least 3000BC. Early rush lights involved dipping the dried pith of rush plants in any household fat or grease, including tallow, mutton fat and apparently in remote Atlantic Islands – the stomach oil of seabirds. Sounds smelly and messy but beggars can’t be choosers when they want to cast aside darkness.
Housewives from the not-too-distant past were adept at manufacturing candles from rancid fat and it was a regular household chore. However, today’s home executives – whether they are a wife, husband or just some stranger who keeps things in a stately manner, are blessed with electric light.
This doesn’t mean modern homes can’t be accessorised with contemporary adaptations of ancient energy.
Giving a candlelight gift has the power to remind recipients of their special friend every time they strike a match and touch it to the wick.
Tea-light holders are perfect, with inexpensive little candles and beautiful holders that last forever. And, there are endless options to find the perfect holder to match décor or personality.
1. French light
Bernardaud VotiveLights made in Limoges, France, are exquisite tea-light holders with extremely fine detail. Translucent white porcelain glows, forming shadows and contrast in the decorative carved surface of the votive. Available in various designs the collection includes everything and anything from a coral reef to daisies, and even the famous Louvre museum.
Bernardaud artisans use the same technique of hand-sculpting fine, bisque porcelain (non-glazed) that was first demonstrated by French artist Paul de Bourgoing in 1828.
2. Kosta Boda
Glass and light have always complemented each other and the fluid candle holders designed by Swedish glass artist Anna Ehmer swirl with radiance. With a single flame the solid glass comes to life and the light appears to twist around the holder.
Anna says: “In my designs, I try to follow along with the melt, with the sheer power of the glass, although I try at the same time to identify the simple and the subtle.”
3. An original
For something unique, handcrafted holders can be found at markets and community arts centres. This one-off design, devoid of the creator’s name, incorporates colours to match interior décor with hand-painted features. Shells, stars and deep sea green capture the owner’s love of the ocean, while the central yellow glow reflects the vibrancy of the sun.
Using these little gems whenever the mood calls, can rest a weary spirit and attract the eye with a primal impulse. Share some light with a good friend but remember to be eternally careful with naked flames.
