Candlestick Holder

Physical description

Ceramic candlestick with nativity scene in the base and three candle holders, covered with many different colours of wax. The central holder is open at the base so that wax has dripped onto the nativity scene below. In front of each candleholder is a red rosette in relief and a red band winds around the circumference of each candleholder. They are connected by two sets of horizontal arms painted yellow-white with brown detailing. The arms below are curved, creating a rounded hollow between each set of arms. The curve at the end of these arms suggests the form of hands. There is a cross-hatched pattern in pink-grey over a background of yellow-white painted on the front of the curved arms. In the centre is a motif of red and blue bisecting vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines. The 'hip' of the candlestick is opened to create a semicircular cavity, framed by a blue and yellow-white scalloped design around the upper portion. The bottom of the opening is framed with red cross-hatching and inside is a nativity scene. The virgin Mary wears a pink-grey dress and a brown cape with yellow-white trim and holds her palms together in prayer. Joseph has a beard, a red shirt, brown pants and a yellow-white cape and his hands are positioned upward. The child is painted pink and reclines on the floor between them. Also on the floor is small lamb painted yellow-white with brown and red detailing. Extending from the bottom of the object there are yellow-white oval shapes, with faded red detailing on the left and right sides.