Candlestick with floral decoration in underglaze blue, Ming dynasty, Wanli reign (1573-1620)-China Archive

Image Number: K1B000042N000000000PAD
Dynasty: Ming dynasty
Category: Ceramics
Function: Furnishings
Material: Mineral/ceramic/porcelain
Description:
The blue and white candlestick is divided into three layers. The lowest layer is a carved hollow base, which is divided into four windows, with a round bead top and an octagonal Ruyi cloud cover. The top bead bears two layers of hexagonal large and small bearing plates. The body is decorated with blue and white flowers, flowers, cloud cranes, eight treasures, sea and river. The heart of Dachengpanpan is painted with auspicious clouds, cranes, and the two divinations of “Qian” and “Kun”, and the outsole is painted with six characters in blue and white regular script of “Ming Dynasty Wanli Year System”. On the small bearing plate, there are metal candlesticks, and the center of the plate is painted with a pattern of twining branches and lotus flowers, which can bear candle wax. This type of candlestick was popular in the middle and late Ming Dynasty. Sometimes a incense burner and a pair of candlesticks are used as the sacrificial vessels; More importantly, a censer, a pair of vases, and a pair of candlesticks are matched into five offerings, which are presented in front of the stage.