Antique Rococo Revival Bronze Candlestick c.1900 – Ornate Louis XV Style Candle

Antique Rococo Revival Bronze Candlestick c.1900 – Ornate Louis XV Style Candle Holder

A wonderfully decorative antique candlestick with all the drama and flourish of the Rococo Revival period.

Dating to approximately c.1890–1920, this compact but substantial candlestick is richly cast with scrolling foliage, shell-like motifs, pierced decoration and extravagant sweeping feet inspired by the French Louis XV style. Despite standing only around 12cm high, its broad 14cm base gives it a surprisingly architectural presence.

The candlestick appears to be made from cast bronze, with a beautifully aged deep brown patina and warmer highlights across the raised decoration. The surface has genuine character developed through age and handling rather than the bright polished finish associated with more modern brass reproductions.

At the top is a vertically fluted candle socket with a gently flared rim, designed to hold a traditional taper candle. Remnants of old wax remain around and inside the socket, providing a lovely reminder that this was once very much a functional household object rather than simply decoration.

The underside reveals traditional sectional construction, with the central stem secured through the base, while the casting itself is wonderfully detailed, particularly around the flowing acanthus-style leaves and scrolling feet.

There are no maker’s marks that we have been able to identify, so while the design is strongly influenced by French Rococo and Louis XV decorative styles, we cannot confidently attribute it to a particular country or manufacturer.

Why We Love It

This is exactly the sort of piece we love at Objet d’Art Stuff — small enough to sit almost anywhere, yet decorative enough to make a real statement.

Its dark aged bronze finish works beautifully in traditional interiors, but it would look equally at home in a more eclectic setting: think Dark Academia, maximalist interiors, gothic styling, period-inspired rooms or an atmospheric antique mantel display.

Pair it with an ivory or richly coloured taper candle and it becomes a fabulous little piece of sculptural antique décor.

Details

Date: Circa 1890–1920

Style: Rococo Revival / Louis XV inspired

Material: Believed to be cast bronze

Height: Approx. 12cm

Base: Approx. 14cm x 14cm

Maker: Unmarked / unknown

Origin: Continental European style; exact origin unknown

Candle shown in photographs is for display purposes only unless otherwise stated.

Condition

Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and previous use.

The bronze has developed a rich dark patina with areas of lighter wear and highlighting to the raised decoration. There is old candle wax residue around and inside the candle socket, together with surface marks, rubbing and oxidation associated with age.

We have deliberately not over-polished the piece, as the aged surface is an important part of its character.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.