What are bocage candlesticks?

Bocage candlesticks feature applied ceramic foliage and leaves that frame the central figures, creating a naturalistic background scene. These intricate arbours were painstakingly built by hand before firing. Such pieces date predominantly to the eighteenth century from factories like Derby and Bow. They were designed to catch the candlelight amidst thickets of porcelain leaves.

How do I identify a patch-mark?

A patch-mark is an unglazed spot on the base left by the tripod supports used inside the kiln during firing. These marks serve as a helpful indicator for identifying eighteenth-century Derby porcelain. They appear because the porcelain body softened significantly at high temperatures and required spacers to prevent warping. Finding them helps confirm the production period of early figures.

Were these candlesticks used for lighting?

These pieces served practical lighting needs in homes while simultaneously acting as decorative sculptural mantel or table ornaments. Wealthy households utilised them in pairs to illuminate rooms with wax or tallow candles. Over time, many survived primarily as display items rather than functional lighting instruments. Their figural subjects made them conversation pieces in period interiors.

How do I care for antique porcelain?

Antique porcelain requires gentle cleaning with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust without harming fragile enamels or gilding. Water and chemical cleaners should be avoided to protect old adhesives and delicate ceramic bodies. Keep these items away from direct sunlight and areas prone to accidental knocks. Securing stable placement protects brittle bocage work and protruding sconces from damage.