CANDLE HOLDER

A cast copper-alloy zoomorphic figurine probably a figurative decorative element of a medieval candlestick/candle holder, probably dating c.1300-1500.

Description: The element takes the form of a male lion. The head has a detailed, elongated style, the eyes and ears are pointed-ovals and the muzzle and the top of the mane are defined and well executed. The lion sits in an twisted position with the head angled towards one side. The back of the head is flattened and the mane is executed by wavy grooves from the head to half way down the body where a tail is also defined by wavy grooves. The lion is sitting on its haunches and its hind legs are clearly defined although set slightly forward. The front paws are similarly executed with slight incised lines. It stands on a flat base rectangular in plan.

There is clear wear on the hind legs which may relate to a small applied bracket to attach the lion to a candlestick. The element has a  dark green patination.

Measurements: Height, 68.42mm; Width, 23.67mm; Length, 32.35; Weight, 173.46g. 

Discussion: This lion fits a small group of lions on small bases reported on the PAS database: e.g. KENT-23BA75, SUSS-7F74B6,  NLM-F86423, YORYM-3F9514, LANCUM-D6D933, DUR-9050AA and SUSS-7F74B6. KENT-23BA75 is the only example that still retains a square bracket. An example still attached to the candlestick was found on an example from Leiden, the Netherlands and other Dutch example in Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, KA 101 (KN&V), Other similar examples are illustrated by Michaelis (1999, 32-33. Fig 11 and 13). While it cannot be certain without the bracket as to the ID of this group of objects they are mostly very similar in form, execution and size so this attribution seems reasonable. Michaelis (1999, 33) also observes the similarity in production and form of such candlesticks/holders supporting this observation.