sold large pair of standing maiden candlesticks

Qianlong period circa 1755
European market
Height: 18 inches; 36cm

A large pair of famille rose maiden candleholders, each in flowing robes decorated with flowers and medallions and bearing gu form vases as sconces.

This pair of maidens is taller than most other examples of this type and the decoration and the moulding of the faces is of the highest quality.

References: Cohen & Motley 2008, p103, Item 5.4, a similar pair standing on lotus leaves with red coats; Howard 1994. p258, No 307, a pair on lotus leaves in blue coats, No 308 another pair; Howard & Ayers 1978, p615, No 644 - a single example; p614, No 643, another pair which it is suggested are derived from a chinoiserie original; Williamson 1970, plate LIX, various single examples of the type; Sharp 2002, p209, a pair of ladies with lotus candleholders also derived from chinoiserie models but with unusual feather shoulder mantles possibly of South American influence; Cohen & Cohen 2001, p44, Cat 37, another pair; C&C 2004, Cat 26, another pair; C&C 2005, p36, a pair on lotus leaves with red coats; C&C 2007, several pairs; C&C 2008, a pair on lotus leaves in blue coats.