Candleholder With Adjustable Shade, Made Of Mother-of-pearl And Gilded Bronze — Early 19th Century

An elegant candlestick with a shade that combines the iridescent sheen of mother-of-pearl with the luster of gilded bronze.

A column sheathed in mother-of-pearl features a serpent whose coiled body supports the candleholder, which is finely decorated with friezes and gadroons. The piece rests on a rectangular base with recessed corners, clad in mother-of-pearl panels, accented by a gilded bronze border, and supported by four small volute feet.

Cut into a shield shape, the mother-of-pearl screen features a delicate engraved design of scrollwork and foliage. Its winged motif frame completes this refined composition. Adjustable in height, the screen shields the direct glare of the flame by adapting its position to the height of the candle.

A charming object whose intricate details and play of light will naturally find their place on a desk, a console table, or in a display case.

Period: early 19th century.
Materials: mother-of-pearl and gilded bronze.
Height: 28 cm in the position shown; total height varies depending on the screen’s adjustment.