17th C. Chinese Ming Bronze Candlestick Lotus Motif

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 17th century CE. A fantastic cast bronze pricket candlestick with three legs featuring zoomorphic heads. The top contains a spike or pricket in the center for holding the candle in place. A flared drip pan shaped like a flowering lotus flares up around the pricket. This drip pan is supported by three stalks, each one containing a part of the lotus plant - bud, fruit, and leaf. Lotus petals adorn the lower portion of the baluster stem above the legs. Three dragon masks with large brows and flared nostrils form the base of the stem, and their large tongues protrude outward as the actual supporting legs with curled tips. An impressive piece of artistry with great symbolism! Size: 4" W x 9.75" H (10.2 cm x 24.8 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired before 2008

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#161919
Condition Report: One leg reattached below mask with traces of adhesive residue. Traces of wax on surfaces. Heavy patina.