Pair of Antique Korean Brass Candlesticks with Reflector Shields

A pair of tall candlesticks fashioned out of solid brass from Korea circa 1900s (end of Joseon Dynasty to Korean Empire period). The candlestick consists of three sections: a large, shaped reflector shield, a candle base tray and a round base with tall shaft of turned design. Also comes with them, are a pair of brass flame pinchers. The surface of the reflector has a chased motif of large scrolling foliage surrounding two large protruding roundels in the center of the archaic fu (fortunate) coin. They slide onto the shaft into place and can be rotated around the shaft. The candle trays have incised design of scrolls and star as well.
Uniquely Korean in design, these tall light devices were made to hold large candles and would be the main light sources before the arrival of electricity. Both functional and ornamental, the shaped reflector plates always bear motifs of good fortune and prosperity. 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.
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
865 dash 1905 in Victoria and Albert Museum.