This is a candlestick (candelero) originating from the Philippines made of Mexican silver of 80% purity. Likely to have been crafted by local silversmiths in the workshops of Binondo, Manila, between the late 18th and early 19th century, this candlestick was eventually housed and used in the baroque-styled St. John the Baptist Church in Liliw, Laguna. Adorned with both engravings and repousse work in rococo/late baroque style, candlesticks as such were often produced in a set of twelve and were placed on both sides of the tabernacle on the church altar.As a locally produced silverware crafted with imported materials and ideas, this candlestick is prime example of how the movement of goods and knowledge was facilitated by the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade (1565 – 1815), as well as other developments resulting from the Philippines’ status a colony of the Spanish Crown.
