Wedgwood decorates this small scale basalt candlestick with a sprinkling of blossoms and s...

Wedgwood decorates this small scale basalt candlestick with a sprinkling of blossoms and sprays  in their "Chinese Flowers" pattern.  The glossy famille rose enamels, glowing against the flat black ground of this piece, create an effect somewhere between oriental cloisonne and polished gem stones . Fine reddish brown striping highlights raised rings at the top and base of the candle shank as well as the edge of the foot and candle cup.  Overall the effect is both delicate and exotic. 

Inevitably when one runs across a single column style candlestick -- as in this instance -...

Inevitably when one runs across a single column style candlestick -- as in this instance -- one wonders about the original use.  Was it once part of a pair or was it used as a single stick on a writing table or in a bed chamber.  We will certainly never know, however, the charm this piece possesses cannot be denied.