A hauntingly elegant object, this mid-century glass bell candle extinguisher is attributed to Kay Sage, one of the leading female figures of American surrealism and wife of Yves Tanguy. With its minimalist form and dreamlike presence, the piece embodies Sage’s signature balance of control and mystery—seeming both useful and otherworldly.
Crafted in smooth, sculptural clear glass, the bell-shaped extinguisher is designed to snuff candles safely and cleanly, without smoke or splatter. But beyond its function, it carries deep artistic and personal provenance: my grandparents were longtime friends of Kay Sage, and in 1963 they purchased her historic Connecticut property—a surrealist-inflected farmhouse filled with beauty, eccentricity, and history. My grandmother remained close to Kay in her final years, and this piece was among several thoughtful, personal gifts passed down through our family.
I am happy to provide documentation of provenance upon request.
Details:
• Function: Candle Extinguisher (Glass Bell Form)
• Attribution: Kay Sage (1898–1963)
• Style: Mid-Century Surrealism / Modernist
• Date: Early 1960s
• Material: Sculptural clear glass
• Height: Approx. 5 inches (can confirm)
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks
Provenance:
From the private collection of my grandmother, a close friend of Kay Sage. In 1963, my grandparents purchased Kay Sage’s historic farm in Connecticut, where they shared a personal and artistic connection that spanned many years.
Kay Sage candle extinguisher
surrealist home decor
mid-century candle extinguisher
rare vintage glass bell, surrealist collectible
1960s modernist object
candle snuffer alternative, surrealist glass bell
female surrealist artist
Kay Sage provenance, Yves Tanguy
Connecticut surrealism
art glass candle accessory
modernist functional art
A hauntingly elegant object, this mid-century glass bell candle extinguisher is attributed to Kay Sage, one of the leading female figures of American surrealism and wife of Yves Tanguy. With its minimalist form and dreamlike presence, the piece embodies Sage’s signature balance of control and mystery—seeming both useful and otherworldly.
Crafted in smooth, sculptural clear glass, the bell-shaped extinguisher is designed to snuff candles safely and cleanly, without smoke or splatter. But beyond its function, it carries deep artistic and personal provenance: my grandparents were longtime friends of Kay Sage, and in 1963 they purchased her historic Connecticut property—a surrealist-inflected farmhouse filled with beauty, eccentricity, and history. My grandmother remained close to Kay in her final years, and this piece was among several thoughtful, personal gifts passed down through our family.
I am happy to provide documentation of provenance upon request.
Details:
• Function: Candle Extinguisher (Glass Bell Form)
• Attribution: Kay Sage (1898–1963)
• Style: Mid-Century Surrealism / Modernist
• Date: Early 1960s
• Material: Sculptural clear glass
• Height: Approx. 5 inches (can confirm)
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks
Provenance:
From the private collection of my grandmother, a close friend of Kay Sage. In 1963, my grandparents purchased Kay Sage’s historic farm in Connecticut, where they shared a personal and artistic connection that spanned many years.
Kay Sage candle extinguisher
surrealist home decor
mid-century candle extinguisher
rare vintage glass bell, surrealist collectible
1960s modernist object
candle snuffer alternative, surrealist glass bell
female surrealist artist
Kay Sage provenance, Yves Tanguy
Connecticut surrealism
art glass candle accessory
modernist functional art
