A LARGE BIDRI SILVER-INLAID FIVE-PRONGED CANDLESTICK
Bidar, Deccan, Central India, 19th century

Of typical shape, the central bulbous vase-like base of the shaft stemming from a large circular tray with everted rim, resting on four sloping feet with drop-shaped terminals, the removable upper section of the shaft with a tall tapering faceted neck terminating in a cylindrical candle holder with bulging rings to the base and top below the rim, surrounded by four removable curved prongs imitating vegetal sprays with protruding buds and leaves, each prong terminating in a candle holder similarly shaped to the one on top of the shaft, the exterior a decorative tour de force fully clad in bidri silver inlay, the decoration consisting of lush rosette bands with foliage on the prongs, stylised lotus flowers and roses to the tray, festoons of palmettes on the shaft, petal pattern on the feet, cavetto and junction between the shaft's lower and upper section, several concentric bands of chevrons and geometric fretwork around the shaft and the candle holders' bases, 51.5cm high and 33.5cm diam.