Each candlestick is decorated with a rectangular mouth atop a spiralling stem, all upon a foliate base. Each section is decorated with floral panels, scrolls, and insects in flight amongst flower sprays. 5 ½ in. (14 cm.) high. Light scratches and surface wear in keeping with its age. One candlestick: has a chip to the chip measuring max. approx. 1cm x 0.8cm. Some light fritting to the rim and to the edge of the base with a small area of glaze crawl measuring max. approx.1cm x 0.4cm. Kiln firing aperture to base. Second candlestick: A few scattered kiln flaws to base; a few tiny areas of glaze crawl; few scattered iron spots; light fritting to rim; area of glaze crawl measuring max. approx. 1.2cm x 0.4cm.. Estimation: USD1,200 - 1,800

Notes: The form of these candlesticks is most likely inspired from late 17th century European metal versions. For a similar candlesticks with an octagonal base, see the Hodroff Collection, illustrated by David S. Howard, The Choice of the Private Trader, 1994, no. 254. A further similar example also of Kangxi period is found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object no. 1970.266.3 and was published in "Chinese Export Porcelain", The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 60, no. 3 (Winter, 2003), and The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 29, no. 9 (May, 1971).

Candlesticks of this type would form part of the repertoire of Chinese porcelain made for a European market. As the West developed a taste for Chinese Export porcelain, the usual orders of plates, dishes and serving vessels were topped up with requests for utilitarian wares, such as candlesticks.

Christie's on line. The Art of China.