Design for a Porcelain Candelabra 19th century

This is an anonymous design for a porcelain candelabra, rendered with watercolor and graphite on paper. The drawing depicts a candelabra mounted on a vase, and immediately, we notice the interplay between the vibrant blue vase and the ornate, gilded metalwork. This contrast emphasizes the structure and material qualities of the design. The composition exhibits a structured hierarchy, with the base providing a foundation for the vase, which in turn supports the candelabra. The floral decoration on the vase introduces a layer of visual complexity and disrupts the rigid symmetry of the piece. Looking closely, the floral arrangement within the central oval panel serves as a microcosm of the broader design—a blend of naturalistic form within a highly structured and artificial context. It's a dialogue between nature and artifice, challenging our fixed notions of beauty and utility.