
Candelabra
- Place of origin:
Arita (made)
- Date:
1700 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Porcelain decorated in overglaze enamels; with European ormolu mounts
- Credit Line:
Allen Gift
- Museum number:
C.108-1922
- Gallery location:
Ceramics, Room 137, The Curtain Foundation Gallery, case 19, shelf 8
This candelabra is an example of so-called Kakiemon-style ware, which is typified by the use of bright enamel colours on a fine white porcelain body. The name Kakiemon derives from the family of decorators reputed to have introduced the techniques of overglaze enamelling to Arita in western Japan in the 1640s. Kakiemon-style wares were the costliest and most sought after of all Japanese ceramics exported to Europe. They were widely copied by 18th-century European manufacturers. In this case the candelabra, which is one of a pair, was fitted with ormolu mounts after its arrival in the West.