A pair of rare famille rose candlesticks, Qianlong

A pair of rare famille rose candlesticks, Qianlong

Each of European silver form, the octagonal base rising to a knopped stem, painted in iron-red, gilt and colours of the famille rose palette, finely painted with hibiscus, peony and chrysanthemum sprays, with a spearhead border at the rim, repeated at the stem above a border of upright pointed leaves. 20.4cm (8in) high. (2). Sold for £6,600

Footnote: Candlesticks, such as the present example, were made after Queen Anne silver originals and were generally produced as part of large services, see D.S.Howard, The Choice of the Private Trader, London, 1994, p.255. A single Qianlong famille rose candlestick is illustrated by M.Beaurdeley, Porcelain of the East India Companies, London, 1962, Catalogue no.95.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com