Antique French Jacob Petit figural candlestick. The porcelain figurine candlestick is very rare. In over 40 years of antiquing I have yet to see another one. The piece is in immaculate condition with no flaws or repairs. The color and gilt is in perfect condition. The piece measures 10 1/2" tall by 5 1/2" wide and is 3 3/4" in depth. The figurine stands with his faithful spaniel dog. The candlestick has a wood insert followed by a bronze candle tubing. The candle can be rotated in a circular direction. The bronze insert is finely cast and allows the user to use a push up method to achieve all the candles potential. The candlestick is legal antique dating circa 1840.
Jacob Petit owned one of the most important and well-known porcelain factories in France, and became one of the major producers of Rococo ornamental wares during the 1830's. His highly decorative porcelain was enormously popular in both England and France and has proven to be well made and designed to endure the test of time. At the 1834 Paris Exhibition, he was praised for his genius for inventing numerous and varied new forms, revolutionizing the manufacture of porcelain. His work inspired imitators throughout Europe and his name was even given to a Rococo Revival style.