A PAIR OF SAFAVID-REVIVAL IMAMI-STYLE LACQUERED WOODEN CANDLESTICKS Possibly Isfahan, Iran, 20th century Each of inverted baluster shape, with a wide, splayed, circular foot, a tall tubular stem with rounded shoulders at the top, and a cup-like candle holder with everted, flattened rim, painted in polychromes, gilt and lacquered, decorated with archaistic, Safavid-revival youths in a garden setting, playing music, drinking, and observing the nature around them, interspersed amidst interlocking arabesques, knotwork, and lush vegetal meanders, all set against a bold red ground, reminiscent in style of 20th-century Imami lacquered creations, each 26.4cm high.

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