Vintage Tole Candle Holders, a Pair

Details

Description

This is a pair of vintage Italian tôle (toleware) candle holders in a grapevine motif. Here’s a detailed description:

General … Read more This is a pair of vintage Italian tôle (toleware) candle holders in a grapevine motif. Here’s a detailed description:

General Design:
• Form: Each piece is a double-arm candle holder with a scalloped, fluted base. The two are mirror images of one another, forming a symmetrical pair.
• Theme: They are designed to resemble grapevines, with clusters of grapes and grape leaves as the central decorative elements.

Materials & Technique:
• Material: Painted metal (tôle), a common material used in Italian decorative objects from the mid-20th century.
• Finish: The candle holders are hand-painted in a soft cream tone with rich green, gold, and brown accents on the leaves, giving an autumnal feel. The grapes are glossy ceramic or painted metal in deep purple and yellow-green.

Notable Details:
• Grapes: Each piece features two clusters of grapes—one purple, one yellow—realistically rounded and bunched, mimicking natural fruit.
• Leaves: The grape leaves are carefully sculpted with serrated edges and multitone coloration, adding depth and realism.
• Candle Cups: The flower-like candle holders are scalloped and aged, designed to hold taper candles.

Style & Period:
• Style: Italian Toleware / Hollywood Regency / Mid-Century Florentine
• Estimated Date: Likely 1950s–1960s
• Origin: Italy

Condition Notes (based on photos):
• Some wear to paint, appropriate to age and typical for tôle pieces.
• No major visible damage—grapes and leaves appear intact.
• Aged patina gives them vintage character. See less