Offered in this lot are a pair (2) of circa 16th-17th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty Pricket Candlesticks, Wrought Iron. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and Snite Museum of Art, the University of Notre Dame, including African, Afghan, Indian, Mughal, Persian and Far East Asian art and artifacts. A pricket candleholder is a sharply pointed candlestick used as a candle stand. On its sharp metal point, a candle is stuck to hold it in place. During the Middle Ages, the simplest form of domestic candlestick was a block of wood into the top of which an iron spike was driven vertically. The lower end of the candle was then impaled on this spike and the upper end lighted. Due to its simplicity and utility, this type of candlestick survived into the early 19th century. It is found in various sizes. The earliest form had only a single spike. As neither pricket has a drip pan, these may have been used in an outdoor setting, possibly to light an interior courtyard. Similarly designed pricket candlesticks have been attributed to 16th/17th century Spain and France. These prickets are tripod footed, a solid patina and oxidation noted throughout both. Each measures 8"H x 3.5" diameter base. Total weight 6oz.

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