Pair of Ladakh Parcel-Gilt, Chased and Pierced Silver Candlesticks

This unusual pair of candlesticks is from either western Tibet or Leh in adjacent Ladakh, Himalayan India. The two are of high-grade, solid silver, with areas of parcel-gilt. They are also chased, engraved and pierced.

The stems have bands of pierced work and engraving work that spiral up. The candle sconces are pierced are decorated with parcel gilding. Each has a spike inside to hold a wax candle or taper.

The bases are flared and domed, and also pierced and parcel gilded. Each has four gilded, pierced panels decorated with the endless knot, the vase of wish-fulfilling jewels, and other Himalayan Buddhistic motifs.

Each is of good weight.

Most probably the pair was made for a household altar although local silversmiths were also commissioned by patrons of local Tibetan monasteries in Leh to make silver objects which were then donated to the monasteries.

Both are in excellent condition, with apparent age.