Akello Turned Mango Wood Candlestick - Natural

The Akello is a candlestick turned from mango wood, 46cm tall and 16cm across the foot. The profile runs from a wide domed base up through a stack of turned rings to a bulbous centre, then narrows and opens again into a flared dish at the top. The dish is lined with iron and takes a pillar candle, which stands on it rather than dropping into a socket.

At 46cm this is a floor-standing candlestick rather than a mantelpiece one, and on a hearth beside a fireplace the flame stands at about the height of a low chair back. That suits a hearth, a corner beside a log basket, or the foot of a bookcase. On a dining table it would stand in the line of sight across it.

The wood is mango and the dish is iron. Each one is turned by hand, so the grain runs differently from candlestick to candlestick. Mango is grown first for its fruit and cut for timber only once the trees have stopped bearing, which is what makes the wood available at all. The candle is not included.

What size candle does it take?

A pillar candle. It stands on the iron dish rather than dropping into a socket, so the diameter is open to you.

Is it sold singly?

Yes. This is one candlestick.

Can it stand on the floor?

Yes. At 46cm it is made to, and it belongs on a hearth rather than on a shelf.

How do I look after it?

Wash the dish with a mild dish soap and warm water after each use so wax does not build up, and keep harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners away. An edible oil such as olive or walnut rubbed into the wood with a cloth will protect it, though it will darken the tone.

Does it get hot in use?

Yes. Stand the candle securely, keep it out of reach of children, wait until it has cooled fully before handling it, and never leave a burning candle unattended.