Lot Essay
With its vase-capped baluster, this candlestick relates to engravings of Roman style candlesticks invented by Jean Birain (d. 1711) following his appointment as Louis XIV's 'dessinateur du Chambre' in 1674. The fruitwood candlesticks, richly filigreed in bas relief, are likely to have formed part of a 'pier-set' dressing-service. (see Edward H. Pinto, Treen and Other Wooden Bygones, London 1969. p. 366, pl. 387 and Christie's South Kensington, 26 June 2007, lot 168.).