It is believed that the first candles appeared five thousand years ago, bringing along a variety of devices for holding them. It is not known who made the first candelabrum and where, but archeologists have established that this type of device was massively used in the temples of ancient Egypt and Rome, as well as in ancient Greece. In Latin, candelabrum means “саndleholder”.

The first candelabras were made mainly of wood. Later, they were succeeded by metal ones made of copper, bronze, silver and alloys.

For many centuries, this interior item continued to be associated with the elite and was mainly used to decorate halls and boudoirs. Such candleholders sometimes had impressive dimensions: so-called floor candelabras (or floor lamps) could reach three meters in height.

Small table candelabras, on the other hand, could be carried from one room to another. The lower part of the candelabrum was always figured for easy portability. Additionally, the candelabrum was always fitted with a heavy base, which gave it the necessary stability.

Over time, other types of candle holders appeared including a menorah, girandole, and flambeau. The former is a candle holder for seven candles, which are arranged in a single row. The menorah is one of the oldest symbols of Judaism. Another type of candleholders is the flambeau. It is distinguished by its impressive weight owing to the heavy material placed in the lower part of the object.

The girandole is considered the pinnacle of the evolution of this group of lighting fixtures. This candle stand was most often found on fireplace shelves. This type of candelabras is characterized by a voluminous and tiered form, a circular arrangement of branches and crystal or glass pendants as decorative elements.

The candelabrum from the museum’s collection is a stand for seven candles: six branches are arranged in a circle around the central one, which rises above the others. The candelabrum was made at the Iranian factory Halili-Home-Teko-Bronze. It is decorated with cast bronze details and natural onyx inserts.