Vintage Decorative Ceramics Appraisal

Pair of Hand-Painted Portuguese Ceramic Candlestick Holders

This is a pair of ceramic candlestick holders, likely originating from Portugal, given the additional context. Each candlestick features a trumpet-shaped top, designed to hold a taper candle, and flares out into a stable, circular base. They appear to be handcrafted from pottery, finished with a high-gloss glaze. The primary colors are a vibrant blue, red, yellow, green, and orange, set against an off-white or cream background, typical of traditional Portuguese hand-painted ceramics. The decoration is rich with floral motifs and foliage. One candlestick also features a charming depiction of a bird-like creature. The rim of the candle holder and the edge of the base on both pieces are adorned with a deep, cobalt blue band, often seen in Portuguese pottery. Intricate wave patterns or abstract designs in blue and turquoise are present just below the candle cup. The craftsmanship suggests hand-painting, with slight variations in the motifs between the two pieces, indicating individual artistry rather than mass machine production. There are no readily visible chips, cracks, or significant damage, suggesting they are in good condition. The interior of the candle cups shows some residual wax, consistent with their use. No distinct maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided images, but the style strongly aligns with Portuguese artistic traditions, possibly from the mid to late 20th century.