Candlestick
an incomplete silver candlestick, belonging to class of articulated candlesticks, whose height is adjustable. The uppermost part of the candlestick is incomplete. It comprises a disc-shaped plate on which rests a spherical element. A cut-out at the top of this spherical element indicates where the candle would originally have been fixed. The main body of the candlestick comprises two square-section rods, which can be moved up and down to alter its overall height. A pin allows the two rods to be fixed together at the appropriate height. Three small holes indicate three possible heights. The entire length of the principal face of each rod is decorated with an incised wave motif, filled with niello. The rods are separated from the foot of the candlestick by a flat, circular plate beyond which is an undecorated spherical element. The candlestick is supported by three feet in the form of dolphins. From the beaks of the dolphins, there extend three flat pelta-shaped plates which may represent schematic seashells. The eyes are rendered as two concentric incised circles, filled with niello. The fins are rendered in relief. The lateral fins are decorated with small incised parallel lines filled with niello. The candlestick was bent in three when discovered.
Production Place
Gaul
Start Year
250
End Year
300
Comment
Beaurains, B24
Unauthorised BM image:
http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=465802&partId=1&searchText=beaurains&page=1
Material
Silver
Hoard
