These candlesticks are each shaped like a circular pillar with a lotus leaf rim, and supported by three lion-mask legs ending in clawed feet. It is covered evenly in the creamy white glaze distinctive to the Dehua kilns of Fujian province. Lively dragons with ridged spines are coiled round each pillar. This motif can be traced to Song dynasty.Known as “blanc de chine” in the West, Dehua white wares were exported all over the world during the Qing dynasty and reached a peak of production in the 17th century. The silvered-metal candle holders were probably added later in France, where it was exported to.
