Pair of Egyptian Revival Porcelain Candlesticks
Royal Worcester, England, circa 1852-1862 (During Kerr & Binns Aquisition)

A striking pair of mid-Victorian porcelain candlesticks in the Egyptian Revival style, produced by the Royal Worcester Porcelain Company, England. Each tapering triangular column is molded with three polychrome-painted busts of Egyptian queens or priestesses"”idealized female heads adorned with stylized nemes headcloths in crimson and gold"”extending from the shaft in full sculptural relief. The columnar bodies are richly decorated with hand-painted neoclassical motifs, stylized papyrus leaves, anthemia, and lotus elements, blending ancient Egyptian references with Victorian eclecticism.

Set atop tri-lobed gilt platforms with lion-paw feet, each figure rises from a shaped triform base elevated on molded and fluted plinths, finished in a blue-gray enamel wash with crisp white highlights and parcel gilt borders. The bobeche candle holders at the top are decorated with stylized foliate and floral motifs in green, crimson, and pink enamels with gilt rims. The overall palette"”vivid emerald greens, carmines, gold, and cobalt blue"”echoes archaeological reconstructions of polychrome Egyptian architecture popularized through engravings by the likes of Prisse d'Avennes and David Roberts.

The underside of each bears the red-printed Royal Worcester shield-and-banner mark incorporating a crown above a three-lobed escutcheon with diagonal banding and the word K& B "WORCESTER." This mark type is consistent with Royal Worcester production from the mid 1800's, aligning with the firm's interest in neoclassical, Renaissance Revival, and historicist design vocabularies during that period.

Royal Worcester, founded in 1751, was known throughout the 19th century for its high-quality porcelain, painted decoration, and adoption of historicist styles. These candlesticks reflect both the influence of Egyptomania and the firm's capacity for complex figural modeling. The triple herm-style female busts are especially notable for their sculptural refinement, reflecting the strong influence of classical and Egyptian prototypes interpreted through a Victorian lens.



Measures:

6.75" h x 5" w.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Minor wear commensurate with age and use. Not examined under blacklight - but possible small area of paint added to flowers.

Origin:
United Kingdom

Creator:
Brand: Worcester Porcelain

Materials & Techniques:
Porcelain

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Minor wear commensurate with age and use. Not examined under blacklight - but possible small area of paint added to flowers.