Dragon Candelabra Appraisal

Pair of Blue and White Porcelain Dragon Candelabra Figures

This is a pair of highly decorative blue and white porcelain candelabra, each featuring a robed figure holding or surrounded by multiple dragons. The figures are rendered in a distinctly East Asian style, likely depicting Chinesemen, with traditional garments and hats. Their faces are unglazed, revealing the natural ivory-white porcelain, and they possess detailed, smiling expressions with painted facial features. The figures are seated or kneeling on ornate, circular bases, which are also decorated with blue and white patterns. Each figure supports a central candelabra arm, which branches into two or more candle holders. These candelabra arms are intricately sculpted as dragons, coiling and intertwining around the central support, creating a dynamic visual effect. The dragons are extensively detailed with scales, claws, and fierce expressions, all rendered in the characteristic underglaze blue on a white porcelain body. The overall color scheme is predominantly cobalt blue and white, with various shades of blue used for shading and pattern work. The construction appears to be molded porcelain, with hand-painted details. Visible condition issues include some minor chips or abrasions on the bases, particularly on the left figure's base where a whitish scuff or chip is noticeable. There are also some imperfections in the glaze and paint application consistent with the manufacturing process of ceramic items of this style. The candle cups are shallow and appear to have some residue from previous candle use. The style suggests an East Asian, possibly Chinese, origin, likely from the late 19th or early to mid-20th century. The level of detail in the sculpting of the figures and dragons, along with the precise blue and white painting, indicates a good quality of craftsmanship.