Antique Japanese Wooden Shokudai Candle Stand, c. 1870

A characterful Japanese wooden shokudai, or traditional candle stand, with an octagonal base, faceted central pillar and round candle holder with a metal spike.

Dimensions: height 52 cm, diameter 23 cm.

This elegant candle stand dates from the late Edo to early Meiji period, c. 1870. It is made of dark lacquered wood with a deep, time-worn patina, revealing warm reddish-brown tones beneath the aged surface. At the top is a metal spike, traditionally used to secure a candle. On the underside, faint traces of Japanese calligraphy are still visible, though they have become too worn with age and use to be reliably deciphered.

The candle stand is in good authentic condition and remains functional.

Today, this shokudai works beautifully as a functional candle stand, but also as a purely decorative object on a console, low table, pedestal or in a sober Japanese-inspired interior setting. A restrained and sculptural piece with strong character, ideal for those who appreciate old Japanese utilitarian objects with patina, simplicity and presence.