Designer: Calvin Tsao (b. 1952) and Zack McKown (b. 1952)

Item: Candlesticks

Manufactured by: Plata Lappas, Buenos Aires for Swid Powell

Country of origin: Argentina

Year made: 1992

Materials: Silverplate over brass

Dimensions: 11 ½” x 2 ½”

References: Tsao & McKown website.

Description: The architecture firm and team of Tsao & McKown was established in 1985 and commissioned by Swid Powell in 1992 to design table top objects such as china, frames and candlesticks. Examples can be found in the Yale University Art Gallery, which also has the original design drawing for this candlestick in its collection. This design also appears on the firm’s website as an example of the work they produced for Swid Powell. We believe these were only made for one or two seasons and are very hard to find, especially in such fine condition. These candlesticks are very very heavy and well made. The shaft unscrews from the tripod base for ease of polishing and care.

Calvin Tsao is a recognized and leading voice in contemporary architecture whose work draws from an engagement with different art forms. He serves on numerous important industry boards and review committees and in 2009 Tsao and his partner Mckown were awarded the prestigious Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Award for Interior Design. Tsao is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, has taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cooper Union, Syracuse University, and at Parsons The New School for Design, while also serving as a guest critic and lecturer at universities internationally.

Condition: Excellent with some light polishing marks.