Mid-19th Century Porcelain Figural Candelabra with Cricket Players from Sitzendorf

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An exceptional and highly unusual 19th-century German porcelain figural candelabra attributed to Sitzendorf, combining elaborate Rococo Revival decoration with the … Read more An exceptional and highly unusual 19th-century German porcelain figural candelabra attributed to Sitzendorf, combining elaborate Rococo Revival decoration with the particularly charming subject of two young cricket players. The composition is lavishly modelled with scrolling candle branches, delicate floral encrustations and hand-applied roses and foliage. Soft pastel enamels are complemented by restrained gilt highlights, creating the richly decorative appearance associated with Continental porcelain of the Victorian period. At the centre are two young boys depicted with a cricket bat, an especially distinctive subject for German porcelain. Their inclusion gives the piece considerable narrative charm and may suggest production with the British export market in mind, where cricket had become an important part of popular culture during the 19th century. The figures are surrounded by an elaborate arrangement of naturalistically modelled flowers and scrolling Rococo forms, demonstrating the considerable technical skill required to produce these complex porcelain compositions. The upper candle branches are removable, allowing the piece to be displayed either as an impressive multi-light candelabra or in a reduced figural form.

Standing approximately 54 cm high, it has substantial presence and would make a striking centrepiece within a collection of European porcelain or a grand traditional interior. A rare combination of German porcelain craftsmanship and British sporting subject matter, particularly appealing to collectors of Sitzendorf porcelain, cricket memorabilia and 19th-century decorative arts.

Maker Attributed to Sitzendorf Origin Germany Period Mid–Late 19th Century, circa 1850–1890 Materials Hand-painted porcelain with applied floral decoration and gilt highlights Measurements Height: 54 cm / 21.3 in Width: 25 cm / 9.8 in Depth: approximately 20 cm / 7.9 in See less