Object Description
A pair of large Louis XV style gilt-bronze and Samson porcelain candelabra
French, Late 19th Century
Height 68cm, width 54cm, depth 36cm
Crafted with great artistry and skill by the Samson porcelain manufactory in late nineteenth century France, these exceptional candelabra feature superb full-length porcelain subjects set within elaborate gilt-bronze lighting branches. Made in the Louis XV style, each pair, symmetrical to each other in design, consists of five-lighting branches, a mount for the porcelain, and elegantly sculpted bases.
The porcelain figures are that of a man and woman playing musical instruments, wistfully gazing towards each other while they stroll and play; he plays a variation on the bagpipes, probably the French cabrette, while she plays a large guitar-like stringed instrument. They stand 68cm in height and bear the Samson mark to the underside. Beautiful pieces, the porcelain figures of which can stand separately, they are wonderful examples of French antique lighting and decorative objects.