Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Candlestick Holders (1950s)

Set of 2 candlestick holders produced in Italy, in the Southern region, during 1950s. Something very specific for that period is the hand-painted pattern on top of the naked ceramic, that preserves the clay speckled look and the use of that cobalt blue and ochre yellow.

During the 1950s, Italy was entering the peak of development, it was becoming the epicentre of the movie industry with stars like Sophia Loren, Elsa Martinelli, Gina Lollobrigida or Silvana Mangano putting Italy on the international map. Of course, not everything was bright and shiny, as  Italy was the playground of many reforms intended to help the country recover after WWII, and so there was the agrarian and fiscal reforms that basically pushed the North become more and more industrialised, enjoying a period of what the Italians called “miracolo economico”. And whilst the North was getting richer and many moved to big cities like Milano, the South remained mainly agrarian.

An agrarian South also meant a more traditional way of living, reflecting on all realms of life, including the pottery produced in the region and these candlestick holders are a vivid example of that. The colours are earthy, the pattern is inspired by the landscape and it looks as if it was just dusted off from some old palazzo on the brink of falling apart.

They are in excellent shape, with no chipping or cracks and they’d honestly be a lovely feature to any dinner table with a touch of campagna.

Product specifications

Country of manufacture — Italy

Condition —Excellent — This vintage/antique piece is in near original condition. It may show minimal traces of use.

Restoration and Damage Details — Patina consistent with age and use.

Material — Ceramic