Antique Chinese Brass Altar Candlestick Dragon Temple Ritual lamp

Antique Chinese Brass Altar Candlestick Dragon Temple Ritual Stand Lamp

Description

An impressive antique Chinese altar candlestick or ritual stand, cast in solid brass and richly decorated with a coiled dragon in high relief.

This substantial piece dates to the late Qing dynasty to early Republic period and would originally have been used on a household or temple altar, designed to hold a candle as part of religious or ceremonial practice. The form, weight, and decoration are entirely consistent with Chinese temple metalwork of the period.

The surface is densely engraved with traditional Chinese geometric and cloud motifs, providing a textured ground across the entire body. A powerful dragon is cast separately and applied, coiling around the stem with finely detailed head, claws, scales, and flowing whiskers — a symbol of protection, authority, and spiritual power in Chinese culture.

The piece is solid brass throughout. Lighter areas visible in the engraved decoration are remnants of historic cleaning polish caught in the recesses, not silvering. The brass shows an attractive aged patina, with darker oxidation in the deeper areas and warmer tones on the raised surfaces.

At some point in the mid to late 20th century, the candlestick was adapted for use as a lamp, with a hole drilled through the base and dragon coil to allow wiring. This later conversion does not detract from the sculptural quality of the object, which still reads very strongly as a piece of Chinese ritual metalwork and displays extremely well.

A striking and atmospheric object, suitable for collectors of Asian antiques, altar objects, or as a dramatic interior statement piece.

Detaila

Origin: China Date: Late Qing to early Republic period (c. 1880–1930) Material: Solid brass Decoration: Coiled dragon in relief with engraved cloud and geometric motifs Form: Altar candlestick or ritual stand Later conversion: Adapted for use as a lamp

Measurements

Height: 36 cm Width (maximum): 18 cm

Condition

Good antique condition with expected age-related wear and patina. Surface marks, rubbing, and traces of old polish residue present within the engraved decoration. Later drilled hole for lamp wiring, consistent with many converted altar pieces. No obvious cracks or structural damage. Please refer to photographs as part of the description.

Summary

A genuine and highly decorative Chinese brass altar candlestick, with strong dragon symbolism and excellent sculptural presence. An authentic piece of late 19th to early 20th century Chinese ritual metalwork, increasingly difficult to find in this quality and scale.