RARE PAIR OF SMALL LOUIS XVI STYLE CANDLESTICKS

HOMEDECORATIVE OBJECTSVASESRARE PAIR OF SMALL LOUIS XVI STYLE CANDLESTICKS
RARE PAIR OF SMALL LOUIS XVI STYLE CANDLESTICKS
A pair of small blood jasper candlesticks, each in the form of a covered vase placed on a Doric column base. The ensemble is embellished with gilded bronze mounts such as lobed handles, lids with pre-empting ball, rings and plant motifs (garlands of flowers, laurel leaves).
From a stylistic point of view, these objects are entirely representative of the European taste for antiquity that profoundly influenced French decorative arts in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. However, this delightful pair of covered vases has a hidden purpose, which is revealed when the lid is lifted, transforming them into a pair of candlesticks. It is also worth noting that, despite the reduction in scale, no concessions have been made to the quality and finish of the gilt bronze mounting, which here is more the work of a goldsmith than a bronzemaker.

French work from the first quarter of the 19th century, circa 1820.
Blood jasper (Ural red jasper), gilt bronze.

References:
P. Hunter-Stiebel, Elements of Style: The Art of the Bronze Mount in 18th and 19th century, New York, 1984, (fig.19)