Pair of Japanese Bronze Candle Sticks

Impeccably cast of bronze alloy, this pair of early 20th century shokudai, or candle stands, is a spectacular example of traditional Japanese metalwork. The elegant shokudai have a classic design often used for Buddhist altar shrines, featuring a sinuous, tapered base and a flared candle dish shaped as a lotus leaf. Visually similar to turned wooden posts, these fine candlesticks are sculpted with fluid lines and repeated curves, darkened by a rich patina that imitates a smooth lacquer finish. The base is etched with Japanese characters that date the pair to the Taisho period (1912-1926).