Pair of true baluster styled Paktong candlesticks with stems influenced by neoclassical Corinthian columns, a square base with cut corners, circa 1750. Possibly English. Paktong, an alloy created in China in the 18th Century; consisting of copper alloy, nickle, and zinc.
Size: 6 ½ h x 3 ¾ dia in
G18020
The secret Paktong alloy was developed in China in the 16th and 17th centuries; the word is the Cantonese pronunciation of the Chinese word “pai-t’ung’ which means white copper. It is a tough alloy of mostly copper and zinc, with small portions of nickel and iron. Being very hard Paktong is therefore long-lasting and does not corrode, scratch or damage easily. Light in colour, it pales to yellow when tarnished.
Paktong was first introduced to Europe in the mid 18th century. Ornate candlestick styles produced by silversmiths in silver were very popular, but were rarely copied in brass. They were, however, occasionally copied by silversmiths themselves in Paktong. These rare examples are seldom marked and can be dated to within a few years of their comparable silver counterparts. The imported Paktong alloy was precious and there was no success, even after analysis, in reproducing the formula in Europe. The secret formula for the high-grade alloy was lost after a few years and does not seem to have been used after circa 1775.