Pair of large ormolu and malachite rhino form candelabra

Each candelabrum in this pair is formed about a patinated bronze rhinoceros. This bronze rhinoceros serves as the candelabrum’s stem: from its back spring the branches. Each rhinoceros-form stem is supported by an architecturally formed rectangular base, the base veneered with malachite and fitted with ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts. This stepped base is raised by four scrolled foliate ormolu feet and is mounted with a lower and upper ormolu frieze, the lower frieze cast with palmettes and the upper with an egg-and-dart motif. The front of the base is mounted with a blind scrolled ormolu frame.

The rhinoceros-form stem of each candelabrum is intricately and accurately cast, wonderfully patinated to render character and warmth. Upon each rhinoceros’ back is a rectangular ormolu platform, which is encompassed by a gallery, draped with ormolu swags, and adorned with hanging glass droplets. From this platform springs an ormolu stem with twisted fluting, the stem rising vertically and culminating in a single large candelabrum branch, the branch richly adorned with ormolu swags and inset with malachite beads. Upon this central branch is mounted a further eight scrolled foliate branches, each draped with glass droplets. Each candelabrum thus supports nine lights.