Brass Candle Snuffer, Persia/Iran, 18th century

Brass & Copper Candle Snuffer

This unusual and elegant item is a candle snuffer composed of brass and copper. It’s most notable feature is its superb patina and almost lustrous colouring from age and handling.

It is in the form of a very long beaked bird. The tail forms the handle of the shears. The beak, which is of copper, holds a large fish, and it is this fish with its flattened head which does the actual snuffing.

The snuffer is either from Persia (Iran) or northern India. The form of the fish is similar to that used in Lucknow as part of the arms and other motifs associated with the royal house of Oudh (Awadh). The fish in Islam is symbolic of eternal life. And with a bird, the two can be seen to be symbolic of life and fertility.

Overall, this is an excellent item with the most wonderful colouring and surface. It is in perfection condition.

Markel, S. et al, India’s Fabled City: The Art of Courtly Lucknow, LACMA/DelMonico Books, 2010.

UK art market