Lot 233 , A rare pair of Chinese gilded cloisonné enamel ‘lotus’ candlesticks which convert to altar sets, wugong, Qianlong marks and of the period (1736-95)

A rare pair of Chinese gilded cloisonné enamel ‘lotus’ candlesticks which convert to altar sets, wugong, Qianlong marks and of the period (1736-95), each decorated with polychrome lotus flowers and scrolling tendrils on a turquoise ground, the copper-bodied structure featuring a screw together candle sconce (lacking spike), pillar, tray, and base, the base with incised four character mark ‘Qianlong nianzhi’ within a double square, height 22cm and 23cm, slight damage

cf. a similar candlestick form altar set in the National Palace Museum, Taipei collection no. C1E000718N000000000 which also dismantles to form a candle spike, pillar, tray and base.

Provenance -
Known to have been in the family for several generations, probably by descent from Streatfeild family, Chiddingstone, Kent
£3,000-5,000

Condition:
The first candlestick has a later screw where a spike was formerly fixed. There is an internal thread holding the sections together which will unscrew for inspection. The top of the pillar appears to have been expertly reduced in height by around 50mm and soldered in position. There is some wear to the gilding on the pillar and base consistent with age and use, otherwise in good condition. The second candlestick thread appears to be a replacement which is no longer a tight enough fit to hold the sections together. The upper drip pan has a later screw fixing, and the pillar immediately below this is slightly bent with some small chip losses to the enamel and some later washers added. The bell shaped base has several chip losses to the enamel on the upper knop and some wear to the gilding around the foot and stem consistent with age and use.

Sold for £23,500