Ornate Candlestick Appraisal

19th Century French Candlestick

This is a single candlestick, identified as a 19th-century French piece. It appears to be constructed from ceramic or terracotta with a tin-glazed earthenware finish, commonly known as faience, which is characteristic of French pottery from that period. The candlestick is ornately decorated with vibrant, hand-painted polychrome designs featuring floral motifs and rococo-inspired scrolled elements. The color palette includes prominent blues, greens, yellows, and oranges, set against a cream or off-white background. The shaft of the candlestick is multifaceted, tapering and widening at various points, and features distinct sections for decoration. The base is tripartite, with three scrolled feet providing stability, each decorated to match the overall aesthetic. There are visible signs of age and use, consistent with a very good condition for a piece of its presumed age. Without close-up inspection, it's difficult to ascertain specific damages, but typical wear might include minor chips to the glaze, crazing, or fading of colors. The craftsmanship suggests a hand-decorated piece, indicating a certain level of artistry and attention to detail. No visible maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the image, but the style strongly aligns with decorative arts from the 19th century in France, likely intended for domestic display and use. The construction seems robust, indicating a functional as well as decorative purpose.