Candlestick 1893 - 1923

This nearly ten-inch candlestick, made by William J. Walley, is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. At first glance, one is struck by the organic form and earthy tones of the piece. The candlestick embodies a fluid, curvilinear design, its shape reminiscent of a stylized flower or plant form, constructed from a lustrous glazed ceramic. The composition is structured around a central, elongated body that gracefully flares out towards the base, while the upper portion features a bulbous, floral-like structure. The execution destabilizes established notions of utility and artistry by incorporating decorative floral motifs into everyday objects. In doing so, it reflects the broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the time, challenging fixed meanings and engaging with new ways of thinking about space, perception, and representation. The use of natural forms transforms a functional object into a site of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.