Pair of 18th Century Chinese Export Paktong Candlesticks
CHINA, circa 1745
21.9 x 10.5 cm
8 ¾ x 4 ¼ in
8 ¾ x 4 ¼ in
6930
Further images
Provenance
Dewlish House Collection
A pair of paktong candlesticks of seamed construction with Rococo shell and acanthus decoration and detachable drip pans. With four pseudo-hallmarks: ‘EL’ and three Chinese characters stamped on both bases....
A pair of paktong candlesticks of seamed construction with Rococo shell and acanthus decoration and detachable drip pans. With four pseudo-hallmarks: ‘EL’ and three Chinese characters stamped on both bases.
Eloy Koldeweij illustrates a pair of Chinese Export candlesticks of comparable form in The English Candlestick 1425–1925, (Christie’s Books Ltd.), 2001 cat. 126, p. 143, interestingly with the same marks.
Paktong is a scarce Chinese alloy combining copper, zinc and nickel; the last, giving it its sought-after bright silver colour, was not identified in the west until the second half of the 18th century. Paktong was imported in small quantities during the 18th century and was used by European craftsmen to make domestic objects which imitated silverware.
Eloy Koldeweij illustrates a pair of Chinese Export candlesticks of comparable form in The English Candlestick 1425–1925, (Christie’s Books Ltd.), 2001 cat. 126, p. 143, interestingly with the same marks.
Paktong is a scarce Chinese alloy combining copper, zinc and nickel; the last, giving it its sought-after bright silver colour, was not identified in the west until the second half of the 18th century. Paktong was imported in small quantities during the 18th century and was used by European craftsmen to make domestic objects which imitated silverware.