Chinese Ceramic Candlestand

Glossy black, gently flared, and shaped like a lighthouse designed by a potter.

This glazed pottery candlestand is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. Hebei Province has a long ceramic history, and kilns in places such as Cixian and Quyang produced stoneware and glazed pottery for centuries. A stout little vase-shaped crown tops a long stem that widens gradually toward a plate-like foot. The black glaze runs in streaks and puddles, with brown showing at thin spots. A grey, unglazed ring shows under the base. It is 12.75 inches high and 4.75 in diameter.

Gleaming, a bit drippy, and thoroughly sure of itself.