A Spode porcelain Hand Candlestick decorated in pattern 1166 c.1820

A Spode porcelain Hand Candlestick c.1820, finely decorated in pattern 1166.  This shape is recorded as number 177 in the Spode 1820 Shape Book and is described as a ‘Hand Candlestick’- Produced in 2,3,4 and 5 inches high.  Marked Spode pattern 1166 in red. 

One of the most sumptuous designs produced by Spode.  Pattern 1166 was first recorded in about 1808.  The pattern is ground laid in cobalt blue, hand painted and gilded on Spode's pure white bone china. It is gilded and painted entirely by hand. The combination of cobalt blue and gold is one of the most expensive in ceramic decoration as it is produced with 2 of the most expensive raw materials. This extravagance, coupled with these gorgeous flowers, makes this design one of the most magnificent to come out of the Spode factory.

Condition: Re-gilding to the thumb rest