A beautiful pair of hand-painted cobalt blue and white candle holders, these faience lions date to circa 1890. Based on production marks located under the rear paw of each lion, the candle holders were produced in Saint-Clément, by Keller & Guerin, which was originally a factory of the famed Luneville Studio that opened in 1728.

Saint-Clément is a commune in the Grand Est of France, roughly 35 km from the major city of Nancy. The proximity is important, as the motto for Nancy, non inultus premor (loosely translated as “I cannot be touched with impunity”) appears on a scrolled coat of arms shield near the lion. Both lions are depicted as rampant guardant, standing over the shield that rests on top of a large, parted leaf on the rocky terrain. The heraldic display features an open mural crown over a banner with the Latin motto beneath. Both forepaws of the lions are extended, holding a foliate form vase adorned with a latticework motif that serves as a sconce for a candle (the opening can accommodate a two inch diameter candle). Our pair of blue and white faience lion candle holders can still be used as candleholders, although they would also make fabulous decorative accessories for a mantel, bookshelf, or small table.

CONDITION: Excellent antique condition, with some fleabites and light losses. A small professional restoration to one lion. Hand-painted, so there are some variations to color patterns.