Iron Tree-of-Life Five-Light Candelabrum
A vintage Japanese five-light candelabrum shaped as a tree of life growing upward. From a sturdy central trunk, branches of varying heights extend to left and right, punctuated with leaf-shaped iron pieces, and ultimately support five round candle pans, transforming the living imagery of a plant into a sculptural piece of ironwork. At nearly 50 cm tall, it is not an ordinary small table candlestick and has a distinct presence once displayed. Seen from the front, the central trunk forms a stable vertical axis, while the five candle holders spread out to either side at different heights, creating a balanced outline like a tree canopy. The iron surface lacks the uniform, smooth finish of modern metalware; instead it retains deep black-brown tones, areas of oxidation and natural changes left by time. The outlines of the branches and leaves also have the irregularity peculiar to handmade work, giving the whole piece the rugged, plain and quiet character of a vintage Japanese object (kodōgu).