Maison European Antiques: Collecting...European Candlesticks

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Collecting...European Candlesticks

Collecting....One of my fave collectibles is antique French & Italian Candlesticks, Altar Pricketts, Candle holders. I love to use them in every setting...they are wonderful for entertaining, holidays & daily use...they seem to draw me in...I love to see the flickering light bounce off the intricate prickett's base....love to imagine all the moments seen & times the item was used. While candlesticks have been used in some form for thousands of years, most early ones were made for royalty, churches & the wealthy...those are now in museums & are out of reach for most collectors. It was not until the 1700s that candlesticks became more common household items, these are the candle holders that are sought after today. Some collectors refer to candlesticks as "pricketts" because the very early ones had a prickett, a pointed spike, to hold the candle. I am always on the hunt for the early ones from the mid to late 1800s...I find these are easier to find...I love the carved wood ones that are gilded, worn & show their patina. I also love the intricately designed tall French altar pricketts with porcelain flowers & leaves, these were "country" candle holders used in small chapels & country homes. I just unpacked a few for Rue 27 Maison....sharing with you a few of my faves...Happy hunting to all you collectors :)