419.
CHAPEL CANDLESTICKS
(PAIR)
PORCELAIN DECORATED IN POLYCHROME ENAMELS AND
GOLD
QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722),
CA. 1700-1720
ARMS: SÃO PAIO (FROM THE COUNT OF SÃO PAIO), MELO
HEIGHT 24.8 CM; BASE WIDTH 12.7 CM
INV. NO. 129
Pair of candlesticks with a moulded
triangular base, the three concave sides
separated by three lateral ridges scalloped
into three lobes terminating in three robust
scroll feet, and narrowing gradually towards
the top. This is surmounted by a thick,
rounded ring replacing the stem, and above
that by a circular saucer-shaped drip pan,
from which there rises centrally a baluster
vase topped by a tall cylindrical candle
holder.
Heavily potted in thick, white porcelain and
coated in a bluish glaze, with a large hole
inside the candle holder to allow air to
escape during the firing.
The decoration of both candlesticks is in
iron red, blue, green and black enamels and
gilt.
The curves of the moulding on each side of
the base are picked out by a double line in
iron red enclosing the decoration. On one
side are the arms of the Sampaio e Melo
family, represented as follows: peninsular
shield, quarterly: I and IV, argent, an eagle
sable; II and III, chequey Or and azure, four
pieces in fess and four in pale. Bordure of the
whole shield gules charged with seven open
chain links argent. Over all, an illegible
escutcheon in bend sinister. Fanciful coronet
and mantling. Crest: one of the eagles of the
shield charged on its breast with an open
chain link argent. 1
The shape of these candlesticks derives from
torch holders or devotional gold altar
candlesticks. The saucer was used to catch
dripping wax.
Like other known pieces with this coat of
arms, including those in this collection, this
pair of candlesticks and the next are of high
quality. Their unusual shape places them in a
small group of known pieces, which makes
them a rarity. The scroll feet are reminiscent
of the only pair of sugar castors known to be
decorated in the Chinese
Imari
palette and
with the same armorial bearings, which are
in the Museu de Artes Decorativas
Portuguesas – Fundação Ricardo do Espírito
Santo Silva, Lisbon. 2
Provenance:
Private English collection
1 Heraldic description by MLCB.
2 Antunes, 1999, pp. 50-51.
48 .
ARMORIAL CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN