Pair Of Shokudai Candlesticks Made Of Engraved Brass With Imperial Motifs, Japan, Late Edo Period, 19th Century

Pair of Japanese shokudai candlesticks made of engraved brass, Japan, late Edo period, 19th century.

These candlesticks rest on a hemispherical brass base, entirely adorned with engraved decoration featuring the imperial chrysanthemum and the kiri, or paulownia. These motifs, associated with Japanese imperial iconography, lend this pair particular interest. They differ markedly from more standard models, which are often more understated or simply functional.

The shape follows the traditional shokudai style: a heavy base, a vertical shaft, an upper tray, and a central stem designed to hold the candle. The engraved decoration covers the base densely, alternating between flowers, foliage, and punched-out backgrounds. The warm, golden-brown patina of the brass highlights the relief of the decoration and gives the piece a very strong decorative presence.

The rarity of this pair stems from a combination of three factors: its large size, the fact that it remains a complete pair, and, above all, the presence of imperial motifs on the base. These candlesticks are as much Japanese ritual and domestic objects as they are collector’s items, thanks to their decorative quality and unusual iconography.

Price: €2,600 per pair.

Dimensions: total height 60.5 cm; base diameter 24.8 cm.