Pair of 19th Century Italian Giltwood & Gesso Candlesticks With Inset Mirror Panels

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Description

An exquisite, true matching pair of 19th-century European (likely Italian) Neoclassical giltwood and gesso candlestick pillars, masterfully styled with grand … Read more An exquisite, true matching pair of 19th-century European (likely Italian) Neoclassical giltwood and gesso candlestick pillars, masterfully styled with grand historic flair. These museum-caliber tabletop statement pieces showcase the sophisticated artistry of the Grand Tour era, beautifully combining sculpted form with the luminous reflection of inset mirrors and hanging crystal elements.

The heavily weighted foundational columns are supported by octagonal stepped bases resting on ornate, hand-carved acanthus bun feet. Each column shaft features pristine, geometric inset clear glass mirror panels bordered by distressed gold leaf moldings. A beautiful, intentional alternating gold-relief and mirrored block pattern wraps around the stepped octagonal tiers of the base.

Resting at the crown are thick, clear beveled glass bobeches (candle drip plates) which support a rich, multi-tiered fringe of authentic glass beadwork strands. The draping elements feature alternating warm amber rounds, elongated ruby/tortoiseshell glass ovals, and heavy faceted teardrop crystal prisms, beautifully interspersed with intricate, decorative metal wireframe drop cages and stacked metal accent spacers.

The pair comes complete with their original, removable heavy sculptural finial topper globes. These toppers feature an embossed acanthus leaf starburst pattern with a thick center band of inset mirror panels, allowing the pillars to be displayed as closed, classical sculptural objects when candles are not in use. When removed, the flat, heavy gilded capitals accommodate standard wide pillar candles.

Condition Details:
Excellent antique condition overall, showcasing beautiful and honest historic age character. The mirrors are exceptionally clear with virtually no clouding, desilvering, or major scratches. The original white gesso foundation is structurally visible in minor areas beneath the gold leaf gilding, serving as an authentic "birth certificate" of 19th-century artisanal construction. Features one singular, fully stable, historic hairline crack to a single lower mirror panel on the base tier, which is completely expected for glass of this antiquity and does not compromise the structure. (Can easily be rotated to face the rear wall during display). All hanging crystal prism strands and metal cage details are fully intact. See less