19th Century Provincial Chinese Floor Lamp Candle Torchiere

Description

A scarce antique Chinese carved hardwood, most likely elm, adjustable candlestick stand floor torchère with beautifully aged warm rich patina. … more A scarce antique Chinese carved hardwood, most likely elm, adjustable candlestick stand floor torchère with beautifully aged warm rich patina.

Candle floor lamps such as this were used up through the 19th century before the advent of electricity, and well into the early 20th century in Provincial China as the spread of modern home electricity was a very slow process in remote and rural areas.

Typically, Chinese candle stands were of very utilitarian design and function, which lends to why this elaborately designed, highly decorative example with numerous unique but unnecessary features is so rare and unusual.

This early floor standing lamp features a tall standard with notched elements as a primitive yet effective way to adjust the height. Surmounted by a large carved seated Asian figure, atop cylindrical carved pedestal with a richly detailed sculptural fish form carving opposite hollowed candle holder dish that's able to move up and down along the standard, mounted on an elaborate trestle base with visible high quality mortise tenon joined construction detail, various supports with scalloped and incised ornamentation, having a raised shaped platform, rising over wooden case base with single shelf top, fitted with a wooden storage drawer, affixed with patinated metal pull and showcasing hand-cut dovetail joinery, all resting on sturdy scalloped rails.

Tiered; In addition to the main adjustable candlestick, a large fixed platform and lower shelf allow for multiple candles to be used at once, at least tripling the light output, at the time providing a huge and important improvement in the lighting of large rooms, and technically making this a candelabra.

Dimensions: (approx)
47" High, 9.5" Wide, 14" Deep, 6lb

Museum quality. Excellent original antique condition. Presents splendidly, with nicely aged patina over the whole. Wear consistent with age and use. less