A pair of antique ecclesiastical candle prickets, hand-carved from wood and polychromed in tones of gold and red, likely originating from France or Italy, circa late 18th to early 19th century. These tall pricket stands would have originally flanked an altar or devotional space, used to hold ceremonial candles during liturgical services.
Each pricket is mounted with an iron drip pan and rests on a heavily molded tripod base with carved scroll and oval cartouche detailing, showing remnants of gilding and bole over gesso. The turned baluster shafts are carved in high relief and bear traces of worn gilding and age-darkened patina.
Details:
Origin: Likely French or Italian
Date: Circa 1780–1830
Material: Carved wood with gesso and polychrome gilding; iron pricket pans
Height: Approx. 21.75” H x 6.5”W
Condition: Structurally stable but with visible age-related wear including:
Surface losses to gesso and gilding
Chips and cracks to bases (see detailed images)
One with a historical repair at the base of the shaft
Wax residue in drip pans
Wear is consistent with age and devotional use, and contributes to their authenticity and appeal
These prickets are ideal for restoration, display in period interiors, or use in atmospheric design settings. Their timeworn finish and ecclesiastical provenance make them desirable for collectors of religious artifacts or Continental decorative arts.
A pair of antique ecclesiastical candle prickets, hand-carved from wood and polychromed in tones of gold and red, likely originating from France or Italy, circa late 18th to early 19th century. These tall pricket stands would have originally flanked an altar or devotional space, used to hold ceremonial candles during liturgical services.
Each pricket is mounted with an iron drip pan and rests on a heavily molded tripod base with carved scroll and oval cartouche detailing, showing remnants of gilding and bole over gesso. The turned baluster shafts are carved in high relief and bear traces of worn gilding and age-darkened patina.
Details:
Origin: Likely French or Italian
Date: Circa 1780–1830
Material: Carved wood with gesso and polychrome gilding; iron pricket pans
Height: Approx. 21.75” H x 6.5”W
Condition: Structurally stable but with visible age-related wear including:
Surface losses to gesso and gilding
Chips and cracks to bases (see detailed images)
One with a historical repair at the base of the shaft
Wax residue in drip pans
Wear is consistent with age and devotional use, and contributes to their authenticity and appeal
These prickets are ideal for restoration, display in period interiors, or use in atmospheric design settings. Their timeworn finish and ecclesiastical provenance make them desirable for collectors of religious artifacts or Continental decorative arts.
