Matching Pair of Korean Brass Candlesticks with Shields and Snuffers Joseon

A pair of tall matching candlesticks fashioned out of heavy solid brass from Korea circa 1900s (end of Joseon Dynasty). The candlestick consists of three sections: a large base tray with a center tube where the upper section is inserted. The upper section is made of a candle holder with a spike, a round wind shield/reflector and the hanging hook, and finally there is the bell-shape snuffer hanging gracefully above the candle. All joints are rotatable so that the candles could be easily positioned. Uniquely Korean in design, these tall devices were made to hold large candles and would be the main light sources before the arrival of electricity. Both functional and ornamental, the round plate behind the candle holder is decorated with butterfly reliefs and has tiny pinholes, serving both as reflector and wind shield. The Chinese Hanja character that forms part of the frame read "Shou", meaning "Longevity". The base trays were engraved in scrolling clouds and peony blossom designs.
The construction and design help to date the piece to early 20th century toward the end of Joseon to the Korean Empire period. It is great to have a matching pair together. Tall, heavy and substantial, they would make a conversational piece for any style of interior during guest entertaining.
Similar candlesticks are in the collection of many museums across the globe. See item no 1905,1115.4 in the British Musuem; Relic Number 001137 in the National Folk Musuem of Korea; Accession number