One of the most recognizable features is the sculptural iron sunburst wrapped around the glass vessel.
At its center sits Jan Barboglio's wax-cast signature seal, inspired by historic European and Mexican wax document seals once pressed into official correspondence.
Rather than serving merely as decoration, the medallion functions as the artist's signature, reinforcing the handcrafted nature of every piece.
The Chica-Lita Candle represents Barboglio's philosophy that candlelight brings warmth, conversation, and connection into the home. Although compact in size, it showcases nearly every hallmark of the designer's work:
Its proportions make it ideal for intimate table settings, bookshelves, powder rooms, bedside tables, and layered decorative displays.
Collectors actively seek original Jan Barboglio candles that remain in unlit condition.
Because these pieces were designed to be enjoyed, many surviving examples have partially burned wax or significant soot residue. An original candle retaining its clean white wax offers outstanding visual contrast against the forged iron and is increasingly difficult to locate.
The wick on this example is resting within the wax. This is a cosmetic condition commonly found on candles that have been handled or stored over time and does not detract from its collectible artisan presentation.
The original candle contains Jan Barboglio's proprietary house fragrance.
Unlike heavily perfumed candles, the scent was created to evoke rustic Mexico through warm woods, herbs, and earthy notes that provide subtle ambiance without overwhelming a room.
This original Jan Barboglio Chica-Lita candle remains in very nice collectible condition. The original white wax has not been burned, preserving the clean appearance that many collectors seek. The wick is resting within the wax rather than standing upright. The hand-forged iron displays the rich artisan patina intentionally created by Jan Barboglio's craftsmen, while slight variations in the forged metal, finish, and glass are inherent characteristics of authentic handmade production rather than flaws.
Jan Barboglio grew up on a historic cattle ranch in Durango, Mexico, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, blacksmith shops, religious symbols, and handcrafted furnishings. Those early influences became the foundation of her internationally recognized design style.
Interestingly, Barboglio first worked in fashion before transitioning into home décor. While entertaining guests, she searched unsuccessfully for attractive candle accessories that complemented oversized Mexican candles. She ultimately forged her own iron candle bases and accessories, launching what would become one of the most respected luxury artisan home décor collections in North America.
Today, Jan Barboglio pieces remain handcrafted in Mexico using traditional forging methods, preserving the irregular beauty and authenticity that collectors have admired for decades.
Every iron component is individually hand forged.
The metal is heated, shaped, hammered, welded, and finished by artisans in Mexico before receiving its naturally aged protective finish.
The clear glass votive sits securely inside the forged iron framework while resting upon a substantial square iron base that provides exceptional stability.
No two examples are perfectly identical.
Small variations in hammer marks, iron texture, welds, finish, and patina are intentional characteristics of authentic Jan Barboglio craftsmanship.
ABOUT JAN BARBOGLIO........
Each of the artist piece is slightly different in shading texture, color, irregularities, and imperfections - because they are hand individually casted. The talent that goes into these pieces is just remarkable -- talent of combining materials is what makes each object of Jan Barboglio's original and distinctive and has become her trademark. She uses old wood, honed and combined with iron, glass, crystal, and stone mixed with silver and etched cut glass guarantees each object's authenticity. Her pieces are known to be aesthetically warm, primitively handsome and are TRUE WORKS OF ART. Of HIGH QUALITY and always sensuous to the touch, her works have become highly COLLECTABLE.
These iron pieces handmade by Jan Barboglio have a long history in Mexico and Latin American countries. Each piece is hand worked. It is individually cast or wrought, hammered, sanded and hand finished. Slight irregularities, imperfections and variations of shading and texture are characteristics of the material and the old world finishing process that adds to its distinct beauty. Each piece is slightly different.
JAN BARBOGLIO
After many years designing clothing with her sister in their Barboglio Cristina & Jan Collection, Jan Barboglio began sculpting accessories and furniture for her own home. Her childhood, spent in north central Mexico, would prove to be fertile ground for inspiration, and every object created by her would carry with it the rich history and romance of old Mexico.
Barboglio’s initial designs of wax grabbers were for her silver, bronze and iron candelabra. Altar pieces and house blessing crosses were integrated into her own home furnishings. Her love of entertainment would later result in her own iron chargers, platters and chafing dishes. Leather goods and saddle stools began to fill her home. All of these influences are evident in her Jan Barboglio Collection of today.
Jan Barboglio’s original designs led the way for her current and extensive home accessories line. The Jan Barboglio Collection has since flourished into crosses and crowns, fleur de lis and scrolls, wildflowers and roses, guardian angels and symbolic bleeding hearts. From her signature Box of Miracles which houses 12 metal “milagros”, prayer and family crosses, Barboglio is now well-known for bringing the spiritual aspect of old Mexico to home decor.
This is a pre-owned item and I take great care to accurately describe the item but please see the pictures for full details. While we do our best to list every item in detail, these are vintage and pre-owned items and some flaws are to be expected. Please see all photos/ video as they are a large part of the description of our items.
I have additional similar items that I have yet to list that you may be interested in. Feel free to follow my store (YouBeYou LLC) to see those when posted.
Please see all photos/ video as they are a large part of the description of our items.
I strive to make every purchase a pleasant experience. Please feel confidence in you purchase that I'll make every effort to correct any issues that may arise. If used, there are always some sign of wear -- well, because it is used, vintage, or antique. All items are used -- Each item is inspected for quality.
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(Note: pictures may include measurements, and some have a video.)