Sofie Lachaert and Luc d’Hanis
Shunga Candleholder, 2002
Inspired by traditional Japanese shunga prints known for their depiction of intimate moments, the candleholder takes the abstract form of a couple. Crafted in silver, the design is subtle rather than explicit, revealing its reference only upon closer look.
There’s also a quiet nod to the past: before electric lighting, candleholders were often placed beside the bed, linking the object to private, personal spaces. This context adds another layer of meaning, turning a simple functional piece into something more atmospheric and reflective.
As with much of Lachaert and d’Hanis’ work, the design sits between art and function. The Shunga Candleholder transforms an everyday object into a poetic one, inviting a moment of pause and a more personal connection to the objects we live with.