Louchet Frères, Pair Of Oriental Candlesticks, France, Circa 1890

Charming pair of orientalist candlesticks in Algerian ribboned onyx and gilded bronze, with a barrel in the shape of a molded column. The binet, the central ring and the square base are decorated with cloisonné enamels with floral motifs. The whole rests on four beaded toupie feet.

Paul Louchet (1854-1936), a French artist, worked at the beginning at chiselling bronze pieces, before becoming President of the Bronze Manufacturers Society, located in Paris. Sculptor and painter, as well, he collaborated with his brother, Charles, and together participated to the Chicago Universal Exhibition in 1893, with a great success : « Il n’y a pas de plus belle ou plus magnifique exposition à Chicago qui attire l’attention universelle que celle dans la section des fabricants de Paris. Il s’agit du stand des frères Louchet de Paris, fabricants de porcelaines, de bronzes et d’objets d’art émaillés. Les produits de cette entreprise représentent sans aucun doute dans la conception, la fabrication et la finition le plus haut niveau dans l’art décoratif. » Then, turning to Art Nouveau style, they collaborate with Louis Majorelle, René Lalique and the Daum brothers.