Porcelain candle stand decorated in blue and white with Peony flowers and the Chinese characters ‘Cai Shi Zong Zu’, which mean ‘Ancestors of the Cai family’ so it was most probably an altar piece. The Peony is a symbol of Wealth and Honor. The stand has received some scratches during its long life of use but it is still in a remarkably good condition. It was fired from solid clay (kaolin) which makes it very heavy. It dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912). Height 8 cm. Diameter 8.5 cm.