
Pair of ceramic candlesticks with hand-painted abstract Art Deco design by Frederick Cooper
History
Frederick Cooper was a prominent American lighting and home accessories manufacturer founded in Chicago in 1923, known for creating distinctive Mid-Century Modern decorative objects. This pair of candlesticks exemplifies the company's embrace of bold geometric abstraction and vibrant color palettes during the 1950s and 1960s, when American design studios were experimenting with artistic pottery forms that doubled as functional home accessories. The hand-painted purple, green, and brown geometric patterns reflect the optimistic, forward-looking aesthetic of the postwar era, when American consumers sought modern, artistic pieces to furnish their contemporary homes. Frederick Cooper candlesticks and decorative pottery are highly valued by collectors of Mid-Century Modern design and American studio pottery for their artistic merit, historical significance, and the company's reputation for quality craftsmanship. These pieces appeal particularly to enthusiasts of Art Deco revival styles and those seeking authentic period accessories that capture the bold, graphic sensibility of mid-20th century American design. Matched pairs are especially desirable to collectors and interior designers, commanding premium prices over single examples.
Origin
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Maker
Frederick Cooper
Time period
circa 1950–1970