Candelabra — decorative branched holders for candles or, later, lamps — have been known since ancient times in a variety of cultures. Wooden and metal (bronze, iron, and silver) candelabra were used in the Etruscan civilization.

Before electricity was invented, candle lamps with shades were used not only indoors, but also on open verandas, and even in gardens. Now they are only stored in museum collections.

The Nikolsko-Bakhmetevsky glass factory produced a wide variety of lighting devices: candelabra, chandeliers, and wall sconces. Their design changed depending on fashion trends, but they always remained in demand.

In the first factory illustrated price list of 1898, one can read:

The presented chandelier belongs to the “elegant products”. It is made in the form of a vase with flowers. Bronze drip pans are hidden in six flower heads, and the other inflorescences are decorated with bronze pistils. The milk glass flowers are painted in polychrome.

The vase is made of milk and colorless glass with a slight lilac tint. Local craftsmen compared this type of glass to boiled barley porridge because they looked similar.

The glass, painted in polychrome and gold, is combined with a bronze frame in the form of a vine. Bronze stems hold the glass flowers and leaves. Thus, bronze is used for both decorative and practical purposes.

Applied art objects created by Nikolsky factory craftsmen equally follow fashion trends and are in tune with nature. The factory glass blowers readily took on exclusive commissions, as evidenced by the following entry in the price list:

Two candelabra with glass flowers were made as a set and included paired sconces in the form of flower bouquets. Both types of light holders are housed in the museum’s collection.