Bertil Vallien Goat Chambersticks

A pair of goat candle holders designed by Bertil Vallien for Boda Glassworks, Sweden, circa 1975. The main body of the glass goats are formed in a mould, whilst the horns are applied by hand.

These highly idiosyncratic candlesticks are quintessential of Vallien's work. Although he has designed hundreds of pieces for domestic use, Vallien is more of a sculptor who works in glass, rather than a designer of glassware. One of his biggest inspirations are the innumerable myths and legends of Sweden, and in other cultures.

The goat depicted in these candlesticks is specifically the Yule goat, whose origin dates back to ancient Pagan festivals. In Sweden, some believe the Yule goat to be an invisible spirit that appears before Christmas to make sure that holiday preparations are being done correctly. The goat eventually took on the role of a gift giver and is sometimes seen in place of, or alongside, Santa. A popular Christmas prank is to make a Yule goat out of straw or wood and then place it in a neighbour’s home without them noticing; the pranked family are then obliged to get rid of it in the same way!

More on the history of the Yule goat