A Nineteenth Century Chinese export candlestick or taperstick.

A Chinese export underglaze blue candlestick or taperstick dating from the Nineteenth Century.  The stem of the candlestick has been decorated with flower heads against a cracked ice ground. The interior of the base has a cloud design.  Height 18.5 cm (7.3")

Still usable for its original purpose!

Date: second half of the 19th century

Condition: there is glaze loss to the raised ribbing around the stem of the candlestick and also areas of discolouration and restoration which are particularly noticeable around the bulbous base of the stick.  There are three small attached pads around the rim of the candlestick perhaps added to make a stable base for a further attachment. These appear to have been added later. There is a crack around the base of the handle.