Pair of 18th Century Paktong Candlesticks

CHINESE EXPORT, circa 1745-1770.

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.

Provenance: Dewlish House Collection.

Koldeweij illustrates a pair of candlesticks of comparable form in The English Candlestick 1425–1925, cat. 126, p. 143 with the same marks, which, combined with the use of paktong leads us to conclude that this pair are Chinese in origin.

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.

Bibliography:
Eloy Koldeweij, The English Candlestick 1425 – 1925, (Christie’s Books Ltd.), 2001
Keith Pinn, Paktong: The Chinese Alloy in Europe, 1680-1820 (Antique Collectors Club Limited), 1999.

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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