Ceramic candlesticks, 'Tall' (pair)

Kittikorn draws his inspiration from the Sawankaloke style to fashion this pair of tall ceramic candlesticks into small minarets. A town in central Thailand, Sawankaloke has been revered for its unique pottery since the 12th Century. Leafy white motifs smartly represent the flora of the region, given life by the jet-black background. The antique patina was rendered with special techniques not revealed by the artisan. These candlesticks make a lovely enhancement to any table setting. Says Kittikorn: "Nowadays it takes me two weeks to complete a single piece. I firstly pound and sift my clay and mix it with water. Next I let it dry after having kneaded it several times. I prepare the clay solution so as to liquify it and I pour it into a little mold. When solidified I carve and incise it and let it dry completely. After having finely polished it, I check for defects and fire it in my kiln at a temperature of 850� Celsius for about five hours. Then I draw and paint the design and dip the piece into a solution of feldspar and longan wood ashes dissolved in water. When dry, I fire it again at a temperature of 1250� Celsius for eight to ten hours."