Pair of French Ormolu Mounted Chinese blanc de chine Guanyin Candelabra

Description

A pair of French ormolu-mounted candelabra featuring Chinese blanc de chine figures of Guanyin, dating from the 19th century. Each figure is rendered in white-glazed porcelain, seated in serene posture with hands in front, representing the bodhisattva of compassion. The figures are modeled in the traditional Dehua style, known for its pure white glaze and smooth surface, and are positioned atop shaped gilt bronze bases with pierced foliate and scrollwork detailing. Each candelabrum incorporates two branches of patinated bronze, naturalistically modeled as flowering stems that curve outward to support gilt bronze candle sockets formed as open blossoms. Surrounding the central figure are applied porcelain flowers in high relief, including peonies and plum blossoms, with various degrees of openness. The blackened bronze stems are cast with deeply veined leaves and are arranged asymmetrically around the porcelain body. The gilt bronze drip pans are detailed with acanthus-form petals and curled upper prongs for candle support. These mounts were assembled in France during the mid to late 1800s using earlier Chinese blanc de chine porcelain figures imported from Dehua kilns in Fujian province. The gilt bronze bases and candle mounts reflect the French Rococo revival style prevalent in 19th-century Parisian decorative arts. The combination of Eastern porcelain and European metalwork aligns with the period’s fashion for chinoiserie and the adaptation of Asian wares into decorative furnishings for Western interiors.

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