Figural porcelain candlestick with putto, two-armed, gilding and polychrome, Art Deco style

A figural porcelain candlestick from the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, featuring a putto figure as its central decorative element. The piece combines the European tradition of figural porcelain with Art Deco sensibilities, resulting in an object of distinct collectible appeal. Rich polychrome decoration and gilded accents emphasize its ceremonial character.

The composition centers on a putto figure mounted on a profiled base. The figure supports a two-armed candleholder structure, with arms extending symmetrically outward and terminating in candle sockets. The balanced, almost architectural form stands twenty-one centimeters tall with a width of twenty centimeters. Gilt highlights accentuate selected details — edges, elements of the figure's drapery, and ornamental motifs on the base — creating contrast against the soft pastel tones of the ceramic body.

European porcelain of the period drew upon centuries of tradition established by court manufactories that had perfected figural sculpture. The putto motif, rooted in Baroque and Rococo iconography, experienced a revival during the Historicism and early Art Deco periods as a favored element in bourgeois interior decoration. Figural candlesticks served purposes beyond mere illumination they adorned sideboards, console tables, and mantelpieces in formal parlors, reflecting the taste and status of their owners.

This candlestick suits classical interior arrangements, whether displayed on a sideboard, console table, or within a porcelain collection cabinet. The two-armed configuration provides balanced illumination for evening gatherings, though its primary role remains decorative.

Condition is good with no significant flaws. The candlestick retains its gilding and polychrome decoration intact, ready for display without need for additional conservation.

Dimensions: