Lot Essay
The form and decoration on this elegant candelabrum base relates closely to the documented work of Thomas Chippendale. A set of four candlestands supplied by Chippendale for Brocket Hall in circa 1773 feature a related standard and paneled base (sold by the Lord Brocket WIll Trust, Christie's, London, 7 July 1994, lot 100 and 15 November 1995, lot 357). Chippendale's stands for Chinese pot-pourri bowls made for Nostell Priory and Harewood House are similarly carved with the lions' masks and paw feet (C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, New York, 1978, figs. 381, 383-384.) The state bed that was part of the Harewood House commission repeats many of these elements as seen on the posts as well as the urn form final atop the canopy (ibid, fig. 51.) A related pair of torcheres sold from the collection of the Late Lord Samuel of Wych Cross, Sotheby's, London, 17 November 1989, lot 13.