Pair of Dutch Colonial Batavian Sconce or Wall Candelabrum Brackets

This pair of brackets for wall sconces to hold candles for room lighting, date to the 18th century Dutch East Indies. They are of carved teak and retain traces of red and black lacquer, as well as traces of gilding.

Each is carved with a pair of facing naga-dragons – a curiously Sumatran/Javanese creature that is neither a dragon or a naga but has elements of both.

Each has a brass rectangular tube fitting in which a brass arm to hold a candle or lamp would have slotted. Their mouths are agape and their thin, writhing bodies disappear into the scrolling foliage above them, which emerges from a large, stylised orchid flower motif.

The carving of both is full, complete and without damage or repairs. The brass fitting of one has a small section missing. The reverse of each has been fitted with a screw to allow the pair to be hung on a wall.

Examples of other Dutch East Indies sconces are illustrated in Veenendaal (2014, p. 28).