Mid-Century Chinese Export Porcelain Parrot Candlesticks on Gilt Bronze Bases

Details

Description

Pair of antique porcelain and ormolu parrot candlesticks crafted in China circa 1950. Each sculptural piece features a vividly glazed … Read more Pair of antique porcelain and ormolu parrot candlesticks crafted in China circa 1950. Each sculptural piece features a vividly glazed green parrot perched atop a hand-modeled tree trunk decorated with applied flowers, foliage, and small naturalistic details including a caterpillar and textured bark. The birds are beautifully detailed, with layered feather work in graduated tones of green, a soft blush beak, turquoise eye patches, and expressive black glass eyes. Each parrot clasps a finely cast ormolu branch in its beak, adding both movement and visual balance to the composition.
The porcelain bodies are mounted into ornate Louis XV style ormolu bases with scrolling acanthus feet and pierced rocaille decoration. Above each bird rises a cast ormolu candle cup formed as a fluted blossom resting on layered leaves, echoing the naturalistic theme below. The combination of richly colored glazed porcelain and warm gilt metal creates an elegant contrast typical of fine turn of the century French decorative arts.
The pieces are well balanced and substantial, with the ormolu mounts securely fitted to the porcelain forms. Excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with minor wear to the gilding and light surface variation consistent with their antique character.
Dimensions: 6.5”W x 6.5”D x 14”H See less