A candelabra is a multi-branched candelstick for use on a large table. In addition to the central stem, they may have between two and six branches.
Long ago made redundant through electrification, their purpose these days is decorative. They were sometimes made in sets of two or more, although very few sets with more than two candelabra have survived.
Most commonly they were made in silver and silver plate from the mid 17th century, but other materials used were ceramic and pewter. Silver candelabra often had a flame shaped finial that fitted in each candle socket when the
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candlelabra was not in use. As an aid to cleaning, the ornate arms are often removeable.
The plural of candelabra is either candelabra or candelabrum.
A girandole is a type of candelabra that features several branches or arms for holding candles. It is often used as a decorative piece and can range in design from simple and functional to highly ornate and elaborate. Girandoles can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, and crystal, and can be found in a range of sizes, from table models to large floor-standing pieces.
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Sèvres porcelain is known for its exquisite beauty and fine craftsmanship. It has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century, and it continues to be highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts today.
The story of Sèvres porcelain begins in 1740, when a group of French businessmen and craftsmen decided to establish a porcelain factory in the town of Vincennes, near Paris. The factory was designed to produce high-quality porcelain that could rival the best Chinese and Meissen porcelain.
In 1756, the factory was moved to the nearby town of Sèvres, where it was expanded and modernized.
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The new factory quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest porcelain in the world, and it became a favourite of French royalty and nobility.
Sèvres porcelain was highly prized for its delicate and intricate designs, which often featured intricate floral patterns, landscapes, and scenes from mythology and history. The porcelain was also known for its soft and creamy glazes, which gave it a unique and ethereal quality.
Over the years, the Sèvres factory continued to innovate and produce new and exciting designs. In the 19th century, it began to produce a new type of porcelain called pâte-sur-pâte, which involved layering thin layers of porcelain paste to create intricate designs and relief patterns.
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