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“Rat de Cave” Candlestick with Handle by Van Gompel, Belgium
VNTG000118
$146
$
This ceramic candle holder is an authentic studio piece from the Belgian workshop Van Gompel, which operated from the 1950s to the early 1990s.
A narrow candle opening, a wide drip tray, a comfortable handle: functional design with a historical reference.
This form is known as a “cellar rat candle holder”—a candlestick used when descending into wine cellars: the tray and handle protected against wax drips.
The colour palette is complex, with iridescent greens and earthy tones, characteristic of artisanal European ceramics from the 1970s–1980s. The glaze is translucent, in places gathering into drops, as if frozen in motion.
About the Van Gompel workshop:
Van Gompel Keramiek was a Belgian handmade ceramics studio that operated from the mid-20th century until the early 1990s.
The workshop produced limited batches of items — from utilitarian tableware to decorative vases and candle holders — rooted in the traditions of European artisanal modernism.
On the bottom, the stamp “Handwerk Van Gompel.” The word handwerk (handicraft) emphasizes the artisanal approach and local production.
“Rat de Cave”:
This piece is a handcrafted variation of the cellar rat in the spirit of modernism: minimalist form, expressive glaze, and functionality.
Item Information:
• Material: Glazed ceramic
• Manufacturer: Van Gompel
• Country of production: Belgium
• Country of discovery: France
• Approximate dating: 1970s-1980s
• Dimensions:
— Width with handle: 16.5 cm
— Bowl diameter without handle: 13.5 cm
— Candle seating area: Ø 2–2.5 cm
A narrow candle opening, a wide drip tray, a comfortable handle: functional design with a historical reference.
This form is known as a “cellar rat candle holder”—a candlestick used when descending into wine cellars: the tray and handle protected against wax drips.
The colour palette is complex, with iridescent greens and earthy tones, characteristic of artisanal European ceramics from the 1970s–1980s. The glaze is translucent, in places gathering into drops, as if frozen in motion.
About the Van Gompel workshop:
Van Gompel Keramiek was a Belgian handmade ceramics studio that operated from the mid-20th century until the early 1990s.
The workshop produced limited batches of items — from utilitarian tableware to decorative vases and candle holders — rooted in the traditions of European artisanal modernism.
On the bottom, the stamp “Handwerk Van Gompel.” The word handwerk (handicraft) emphasizes the artisanal approach and local production.
“Rat de Cave”:
- Name: literally “cellar rat” (rat de cave).
- The form has been common since the 18th–19th centuries, especially in France. It was used for lighting wine cellars.
- A change in flame colour could signal the presence of harmful gases (e.g., CO₂)—a unique safety indicator.
- Today, historical rat de cave (especially forged ones) are valued as antiques, while modern interpretations are prized as artisanal decorative objects.
This piece is a handcrafted variation of the cellar rat in the spirit of modernism: minimalist form, expressive glaze, and functionality.
Item Information:
• Material: Glazed ceramic
• Manufacturer: Van Gompel
• Country of production: Belgium
• Country of discovery: France
• Approximate dating: 1970s-1980s
• Dimensions:
— Width with handle: 16.5 cm
— Bowl diameter without handle: 13.5 cm
— Candle seating area: Ø 2–2.5 cm
Condition: Ideal vintage. No chips, cracks, or losses. The surface is smooth, the glaze is preserved, and the maker's mark is legible. Signs of use are minimal.
Material: Ceramic and porcelain
Each item in our vintage collection has its own history, which may leave traces of its past life.
We strive to describe the condition of each lot as accurately as possible, and our photographs are taken in good light and have not been retouched, so you can examine the item as thoroughly as possible.
Hronika: vintage collection features only those items that have retained their aesthetic appeal and can become a beautiful detail in any space. Nevertheless, please note that even perfect items may bear traces of time.
If the item's characteristics were specified in advance on the product card, they are not considered defects or flaws.
Most vintage items have been previously used. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to determine if an item has been used after purchase—even with expert examination. We ask that you consider this when placing an order: returns for vintage items are not provided.
Before purchasing, you will have the opportunity to carefully inspect the item—either at the pick-up point or upon delivery by courier. If something is not suitable, you can decline the purchase on the spot. In this case, the buyer pays for the return shipping.
If you have accepted the parcel, it means that the item has captured your heart and you have decided to keep it.
We strive to describe the condition of each lot as accurately as possible, and our photographs are taken in good light and have not been retouched, so you can examine the item as thoroughly as possible.
Hronika: vintage collection features only those items that have retained their aesthetic appeal and can become a beautiful detail in any space. Nevertheless, please note that even perfect items may bear traces of time.
If the item's characteristics were specified in advance on the product card, they are not considered defects or flaws.
Most vintage items have been previously used. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to determine if an item has been used after purchase—even with expert examination. We ask that you consider this when placing an order: returns for vintage items are not provided.
Before purchasing, you will have the opportunity to carefully inspect the item—either at the pick-up point or upon delivery by courier. If something is not suitable, you can decline the purchase on the spot. In this case, the buyer pays for the return shipping.
If you have accepted the parcel, it means that the item has captured your heart and you have decided to keep it.
We deliver across Russia and worldwide:
To Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan — via SDEK.
For other countries, we manually select a shipping method and assist with customs clearance.
We accept international cards and 'Doliami' (instalments):
You can pay for your purchase by card (including international cards), via SBP, or using the 'Doliami' service — if it's more convenient to split the amount into parts.
Some items can be viewed and purchased offline:
Look for the A-HOUSE mark on the product card — it indicates that the item is presented at the Bolshoy Afanasyevsky 20 space.
Prices and availability may vary — please check with the showroom team or our store.
More details:
Payment and Delivery
Returns
To Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan — via SDEK.
For other countries, we manually select a shipping method and assist with customs clearance.
We accept international cards and 'Doliami' (instalments):
You can pay for your purchase by card (including international cards), via SBP, or using the 'Doliami' service — if it's more convenient to split the amount into parts.
Some items can be viewed and purchased offline:
Look for the A-HOUSE mark on the product card — it indicates that the item is presented at the Bolshoy Afanasyevsky 20 space.
Prices and availability may vary — please check with the showroom team or our store.
More details:
Payment and Delivery
Returns
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