Pair of Blue and White Candlesticks, Delft, circa 1730. Marked D and numbered 14 in blue; inv. no. D2325 © Aronson Delft ware

Nothing adds warmth and coziness quite like a beautiful pair of Delft candlesticks. The pattern on these Delft pieces, inspired by a Chinese original from the Kangxi Period (1662-1722), made its way onto Dutch Delftware in the late 17th century and continued to enchant for many years.

Candlesticks, once the primary source of household light for centuries, evolved from simple cups or spikes designed to hold candles upright and catch melting wax. But by the 17th and 18th centuries, the increasing popularity of dining later in the evening, inspired by French customs, created a demand for ornamental candlesticks that were as beautiful as they were functional. Lavish silver candlesticks, with their height and grandeur, became prominent centerpieces on European dinner tables, combining aesthetics and practicality.

While silver candlesticks were highly coveted, economic challenges—such as the fiscal crises in 17th- and 18th-century France—led to the melting of precious silver to replenish royal coffers. This transformation paved the way for alternative materials, including faience and porcelain. The demand for high-quality silver substitutes inspired a surge in the production of refined Dutch Delftware. Potters in the Netherlands crafted ceramic candlesticks that mirrored the elegance of their silver counterparts, elevating Delftware to new heights and solidifying its prestige across Europe.

The present Delft candlesticks exemplify this artistic excellence, blending rich history and elegant craftsmanship to bring light and beauty into any room. 

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