Monumental Pr. 19th Century Kashmiri Lacquered Papier-Mâché Floor Candlesticks

Details

Description

A monumental pair of 19th-century Kashmiri floor-standing candlesticks, masterfully crafted in richly lacquered and hand-painted papier-mâché. Remarkable both for their … Read more A monumental pair of 19th-century Kashmiri floor-standing candlesticks, masterfully crafted in richly lacquered and hand-painted papier-mâché. Remarkable both for their scale—each measuring 36.5 inches in height—and for their complex decorative and structural execution, these candlesticks embody the height of ornamental papier-mâché work exported from the Kashmir Valley during the late 19th century.

Each candlestick is raised on a domed foot with a wide profile, transitioning into a series of intricately turned and bulbous sections. The central column is defined by an elaborate double-helix openwork structure—an uncommon and technically ambitious feature in papier-mâché—that lends a sense of architectural rhythm and lightness. The entire surface is richly enameled in the traditional Kashmiri style, with dense floral and foliate designs meticulously hand-painted in polychrome hues of vermilion, ochre, cobalt, and forest green against a gilt ground, then sealed under multiple layers of clear lacquer. The floral motifs, deeply influenced by Mughal design traditions, include stylized blossoms and scrolling vines rendered in a rhythmic, allover pattern.

These objects were likely produced in Srinagar or its environs, where papier-mâché artisans catered to both local nobility and the growing international demand from British and European patrons in the colonial period. Their size suggests they may have been created for use in a ceremonial hall, temple setting, or as grand decorative accessories in a wealthy domestic interior.

This rare pair of candlesticks demonstrates the virtuosity and refinement of Kashmiri papier-mâché at its zenith—combining monumental form with ornamental intricacy and cultural specificity. Their preservation and decorative richness make them a significant example of 19th-century South Asian decorative arts, remarkable for both their artistry and their commanding sculptural presence. See less