Chinese Candle Base with Lotus Motif

Blackened blossom holding its petals out like a fan of playing cards.

This candle base with a lotus motif in camphor wood is from Putian, Fujian Province, China, and is contemporary. A candle base like this holds a candle or cup upright on a carved stand, so the form of the base is the main decorative element. Shallow flower-shaped dish, the broad petals curving outward and notched at the point. A small round foot supports them. The glossy dark finish has gentle wear on the petal edges and a flat, matte center. It is 5.5 inches wide, 5.5 deep and 3 high.

The edges are polished by a lot of passing hands.