Chinoiserie Bamboo Pagoda Tapered Candle Holder or Decorative Lantern
Decorative art, ceramic vessel with ventilated lid • The Essex Collection (Mass-market decorative brand); manufactured in Portugal
Style & Movement
Hollywood Regency / Chinoiserie Revival
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware or porcelain; hand-painted or sponge-painted over molded lattice work. The technique involves a high-gloss glaze over ceramic body.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, likely 1980s or 1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 to 10 inches in height; three-dimensional sculptural object
Subject Description
A tiered pagoda-style structural form featuring a faux-bamboo (mousseline) lattice frame in a mauve/pink tone over green paneled sections. The lid features circular ventilation holes for heat dispersion from a candle.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the glaze appears intact with no visible major chips, though minor shelf wear is typical for base rims of this manufacture.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'The Essex Collection Made in Portugal' on bottom; indicative of a commercial import for department stores or interior design boutiques in the US/UK markets.
Art Historical Significance
Low art historical significance; it is a mass-produced decorative object reflecting the late 20th-century trend for Chinoiserie and lattice-work home decor popularized by brands like Mottahedeh or Fitz and Floyd.
Notable Features
Features the 'Made in Portugal' stamp, a region known for mid-to-high quality ceramic exports in the 20th century; the whimsical color palette is characteristic of the 1980s Palm Beach style.
Condition Issues
Potential for crazing (fine cracks in glaze) common in Portuguese earthenware; no visible structural damage in provided image.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only; avoid abrasive cleaners to preserve the colored glaze. Display away from direct sunlight to prevent potential pigment fading over long periods.
Collector Notes
on bottom: The Essex Collection Made in Portugal