Vietnamese Pair of Liturgical Candle Sticks

Gold leaf, tarnished just enough to look like it has opinions.

French Colonial craftsmen in French Indochina (present day Vietnam), Southeast Asia, made this pair of liturgical candle sticks in lacquer in the early 20th century. Candle sticks of this type were commonly made for use on church altars. Each has a tall, slender column set on a triangular base with three scrolled feet. The columns end in a flared dish for the candle. The decoration is gilded with traces of dark lacquer showing through, and a small cross appears on each base.

About 19 inches tall each. Put them on a sideboard and invite the candlelight.