Direct from Paris: a magnificent pair of 20th century, 835 silver, 5-candle candelabra by internationally renowned Belgian silversmith Joseph Anysz (1949 – 1996) in excellent condition and with two anti-tarnish storage wraps for easy storage. The world of fine silversmithing lost one of its most gifted practitioners when Joseph Anysz passed away in 1996 at the height of his creative powers. Born in 1949, this Belgian master craftsman dedicated his life to elevating functional silver objects into works of art through his unparalleled technical skill and refined aesthetic sensibility. Anysz's body of work represents the pinnacle of late 20th century European silversmithing, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design principles to create pieces of enduring beauty and significance. His magnificent 835 silver candelabra in particular stand as testaments to his artistic vision, combining flawless craftsmanship with elegant proportions and intricate detailing.
The Making of a Master: Joseph Anysz's formative years in post-war Belgium provided the perfect environment for nurturing his exceptional talent. Growing up in a nation with deep roots in the decorative arts, particularly in the historic silver working centers of Antwerp and Brussels, young Anysz demonstrated an early affinity for metalwork that would shape his destiny. His formal apprenticeship under established Belgian masters immersed him in centuries-old techniques that had been passed down through generations of craftsmen. The rigorous training emphasized not just technical proficiency but also the development of an artistic eye capable of transforming raw silver into objects of beauty.
What set Anysz apart from his contemporaries was his obsessive dedication to mastering every aspect of the silversmith's art. While many artisans specialized in particular techniques, he pursued comprehensive expertise across the entire spectrum of metalworking skills. His early ecclesiastical commissions, particularly for Belgian churches and cathedrals, allowed him to experiment with complex Baroque-inspired designs that would later influence his secular work. These religious pieces, often featuring intricate repoussé work and delicate chasing, revealed an artist already operating at a level far beyond his years. The precision of his joinery, the fluidity of his decorative motifs, and the perfect balance of his compositions marked him as a craftsman of extraordinary potential.
Royal Patronage - The Seal of Excellence: As Anysz's reputation grew throughout the 1980s, his clientele expanded to include Europe's most discerning collectors of fine silver. The Belgian royal family became among his most prestigious patrons, commissioning ceremonial pieces for the Palace of Laeken that would be used in state functions and diplomatic receptions. These royal commissions represented the highest honor a silversmith could achieve, placing Anysz in the lineage of court artisans who had served European monarchs for centuries. His work for the palace included a magnificent silver epergne that demonstrated his ability to execute large-scale pieces without sacrificing the meticulous detail that characterized his smaller works.
Beyond the Belgian court, Anysz's creations found homes in aristocratic collections across the continent. German nobility commissioned elaborate candelabra for their ancestral estates, while French collectors sought out his tableware for their private dining services. Each commission presented unique challenges that Anysz met with characteristic innovation and technical mastery. His ability to adapt his style to suit different national traditions while maintaining his distinctive artistic voice made him particularly valued among Europe's elite. The trust placed in him by these distinguished patrons spoke volumes about his standing in the world of fine silver, where reputation was built on consistent excellence over many years.
Awards and Accolades: The international arts community took notice of Anysz's extraordinary talent through numerous exhibitions and competitions where his work consistently earned top honors. His participation in the prestigious “Triennale de l'Argent et de la Bijouterie” in Belgium became a regular showcase for his evolving artistry, with each presentation demonstrating new refinements in technique and design. The judging panels at these events frequently singled out his work for its perfect marriage of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sensibility, a balance that few silversmiths of his generation achieved with such consistency.
The crowning achievement of Anysz's career came in 1987 when he received the Grand Prix d'Honneur at a major European silver exhibition. This lifetime achievement award recognized not just individual pieces but his entire body of work and its contribution to the field of decorative arts. The jury's citation praised his unwavering commitment to quality and his role in preserving traditional techniques while pushing the boundaries of silver design. Museums began acquiring his pieces for their permanent collections, with the Musée du Métal in Liège dedicating an entire exhibition to his work alongside historical masterpieces from earlier centuries. These institutional recognitions confirmed Anysz's place in the pantheon of great European silversmiths.
The Magnificence of Anysz's 835 Silver Candelabra: Among Joseph Anysz's most celebrated creations were his candelabra crafted in 835 silver, an alloy prized for its ideal balance of purity and durability. These lighting masterpieces represented the culmination of his artistic and technical development, combining functional design with sculptural beauty. The candelabra showcased his deep understanding of Baroque and Rococo traditions while avoiding their occasional excesses through carefully considered proportions and restrained ornamentation. Natural motifs dominated his designs, with flowing vines, delicate leaves, and organic forms that seemed to grow naturally from the silver itself rather than being imposed upon it.
The creation of each candelabrum involved hundreds of hours of painstaking labor, beginning with the hand-raising of the central stem from a single sheet of silver. Anysz's hammer work achieved perfect uniformity in metal thickness, a feat requiring years of experience to master. The decorative elements received equal attention, with repoussé and chasing techniques creating depth and texture that changed beautifully with shifting light. The assembly process demonstrated his technical precision, with invisible soldered seams joining multiple components into a cohesive whole. Final polishing brought out the silver's luminous qualities, transforming the finished piece into a radiant object that interacted dynamically with candlelight and surroundings.
Beyond their visual appeal, Anysz's candelabra carried significant cultural weight as objects of prestige and celebration. Designed for grand dining tables and important occasions, they represented the intersection of artistic achievement and social ritual. Their substantial presence commanded attention while their refined details rewarded closer inspection, embodying the dual nature of fine silver as both functional object and work of art. The candelabra also represented Anysz's philosophical approach to craftsmanship - that even utilitarian objects deserved the highest level of artistic treatment and that traditional techniques could produce thoroughly contemporary statements.
An Enduring Artistic Presence: Though Joseph Anysz's career was tragically cut short, his influence continues to resonate in the world of fine silversmithing. His works have become increasingly sought after by collectors, with auction prices reflecting growing recognition of his importance in 20th century decorative arts. Museums continue to acquire his pieces for their permanent collections, ensuring future generations will have access to his artistic legacy. Contemporary silversmiths study his techniques and design principles, finding in his work a model of how to honor tradition while creating pieces that speak to modern sensibilities.
Perhaps Anysz's greatest legacy lies in his demonstration that hand craftsmanship could thrive in an increasingly mechanized age. His career stands as a powerful argument for the enduring value of human skill and artistic vision in creating objects of lasting beauty and significance. In an era when many traditional crafts faced existential threats from industrialization and changing tastes, Anysz proved that there would always be a place for work executed at the highest level of artistry and technical perfection.
The Timeless Artistry of Joseph Anysz: Joseph Anysz's body of work represents one of the most significant contributions to 20th century European silversmithing. Through his royal commissions, exhibition successes, and especially his magnificent candelabra, like this amazing pair, he established himself as a master whose work transcended temporal trends. His pieces continue to captivate viewers with their perfect balance of form and function, their exquisite attention to detail, and their profound understanding of silver's unique qualities as an artistic medium. More than two decades after his passing, Anysz's reputation continues to grow as new audiences discover and appreciate his remarkable achievements. In the history of Belgian decorative arts, Joseph Anysz occupies a place of honor as a craftsman who elevated his medium to the level of fine art through skill, vision, and uncompromising dedication to excellence.
This magnificent pair of 5-candle, 835 silver candelabra are stunning examples of the quality and craftsmanship for which Anysz was internationally known. Candelabra #1 stands approximately 41cm. in height, measures roughly 27.50cm. across at its widest point and weights an amazing 2,073 grams. It is stamped on the base "835" indicating 835/1000 silver. Candelabra #2 also stands approximately 41cm. in height, measures roughly 27.50cm. across at its widest point and weights a stunning 2,080 grams. It is also stamped on the base "835" indicating 835/1000 silver.
