CANDELABRA (BOUGEOIR), ONE OF TWO

Creator(s): Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (Manufacturer) , Vincennes Porcelain Manufactory (Manufacturer)

On view in: Marjorie Post's Bedroom

About this object

Ormolu-mounted porcelain was a creation of the Parisian "marchands-merciers" (dealers in the decorative arts). These astute merchants realized the decorative possibilities of porcelain flowers, a novelty product, and mounted them in gilt bronze or tole (painted tinware) in inkstands, candelabra, and floral arrangements. These candelabra set with porcelain flowers and figures representing Harlequin and Columbine exemplify the elaborate fashions conceived by these fashionable shop-keepers for their most prestigious clients.

One of a pair. A candelabra in gilt bronze supports two bobèches (candleholders) shaped as leaves and petals. In the back is a vertical branch from which spring vine-like twigs bearing porcelain flowers. In the center is a shaped trellised canopy under which is a porcelain figurine of a seated Harlequin playing a bag pipe. At the top is a small pink silk shade which unrolls and can be attached to a twig in front of the figurine. The figure rests on a foliate scroll base.

Object name:

CANDELABRA (BOUGEOIR), ONE OF TWO

Made from:

Gilt bronze -- porcelain

Made in:

Vincennes, France

Date made:

c. 1750

Size:

17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

14.1.2

Class:

METAL

Signature marks:

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973