Pair of Spiraled Kudu Horns with Polished Dark Tones and...

Kudu Horn, Brass - France - Circa 1940 — This lot features a monumental and rare pair of floor candelabra, made in France around 1940. These objects of great visual impact embody an aesthetic that blends the exoticism of colonial-style design with the refinement of mid-20th-century European design. The candelabra are composed of authentic kudu horns, whose iconic spiral shape constitutes the backbone of the structure, paired with elegant elements in solid brass and circular bases in ebony-stained wood. With an imposing height of nearly a meter, each candelabrum rises with a sculptural presence. The horn, sourced from the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), an African antelope, has been preserved in its structural integrity and polished to enhance its deep brown tones and the complex surface texture, characterized by grooves and ridges following its natural twisting. The dark, semi-matte finish of the horn creates a magnificent contrast with the warm brilliance of the brass. The brass mounting is a showcase of superb artisanal craftsmanship. The base, wide and stable, is formed by a brass bell resting on a black-lacquered wooden disk, giving weight and stability to the piece as a whole. From the central trunk, two geometric arms at right angles extend out at different heights, each ending in a candleholder with a plate. A third candleholder is placed higher up, creating an elegant asymmetrical composition that can hold three candles per side. The structure culminates in a tapered brass tip, further elongating the silhouette. These pieces are not merely light sources, but true works of art and collectibles, typical of creations intended for a Wunderkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities. They evoke an era of exploration and fascination with the natural world, transforming an organic element into a sophisticated furnishing accessory. Their design makes them perfect for enhancing an entryway, a library, a study, or a drawing room, where they can serve as a dramatic focal point, flanking a fireplace or a console. The general condition is excellent, with a patina of time on the brass attesting to its authenticity and age. Technical details Name: Pair of Floor Candelabra Classification: Design object / Decorative arts Provenance: France (Manufacture) Material: Kudu horn (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), brass, ebony wood base Period: Circa 1940 Dimensions (per single candelabrum): 950 x 240 x 220 mm Total weight (pair): 4680 g Conditions: Good, in line with age and use. Original patina on brass.

Estimate:$3,024.54

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