Rare pair of large Japanese shokudai candlesticks, dated to the 19th century, end of the Edo period, preserved with their original tomobako storage box.

The lid of the box bears the brushed inscription 銀月金燭台, read as Gingetsu kin-shokudai, meaning “Gingetsu metal shokudai”. Gingetsu, literally “silver moon”, gives the pair a deeply poetic name. In Japan, objects of great quality could receive a proper name, individualising them and enhancing their prestige.

These candlesticks are distinguished by a highly unusual form. Each hexagonal wooden base supports a metal body with a mottled patina, animated by golden, dark and coppery tones. The metal treatment is visually rich: the patinated brass appears almost constellated, while the oxidised copper elements reinforce the structure and emphasise the volumes. The overall presence is almost architectural, far removed from more classical shokudai in lacquered wood or plain metal.

The pair is all the more remarkable because each candlestick retains its accessory. One has its pincers suspended from the shaft by a carefully made fitting. The other has a removable wick box, not placed separately beside the candlestick as is usually the case, but suspended directly from the lower part of the stand. This very rarely encountered arrangement gives the object an exceptional character and shows the care given to its conception.

Through their large scale, complex construction, singular patina, original tomobako and the presence of this suspended wick box, these shokudai form a pair of particularly rare quality.

Japan, end of the Edo period, 19th century. Metal with mottled patina, patinated copper, hexagonal wooden bases. Original tomobako.

Dimensions: 72.7 × 21.5 × 19 cm.