A GOOD PAIR OF GEORGE II ANGLO-CHINESE PAKTONG CANDLESTICKS

A GOOD PAIR OF GEORGE II ANGLO-CHINESE PAKTONG CANDLESTICKS

C.1750

each ring socket with detachable bobeches above knopped stems with shell decoration, the shaped square bases cast with shell decoration to the corners (2)

22.2cm high

Catalogue Note

Paktong originated in China and was used to produce the Imperial coinage. It was first introduced to England in the 1720s, with furniture makers using the alloy to make hinges and also candlesticks. Paktong means white copper and is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel. Although resembling silver it is much harder and does not tarnish like silver

Literature

A similar pair of candlesticks are illustrated in Keith Pinn, 'Paktong, The Chinese Alloy in Europe 1680-1820', p.89, pl. 45.