A two-light candelabrum with a polychrome porcelain group of two Chinese boys and finely chased gilt bronze mounts.

A two-light candelabrum with a polychrome porcelain group of two Chinese boys and finely chased gilt bronze mounts.

Cina, Century XIX, cm 33

This elegant candelabrum features a finely modeled porcelain group depicting a large, smiling Chinese boy standing on a colorful openwork base, holding a baluster-shaped vase. A smaller child is playfully nestled against his left hip, holding onto his side. Both figures are decorated en polychromie with rich floral motifs, traditional geometric patterns on their waistbands, and bright pink, purple, and green enamels reminiscent of the Famille Rose palette.

From behind the porcelain group rises a beautifully chiseled gilt bronze (ormolu) tree-like armature that splits into two winding branch-form arms. The branches are embellished with delicate porcelain flowers and leaves in relief, terminating in two stylized foliate candle nozzles. The piece reflects the enduring European fascination with Chinoiserie and decorative porcelain-mounted objects popular throughout the late 19th century.

Dimensions: cm 33 (h)