Description & Technical information

Exceptional pair of 17th century tetrahedron shaped, Indo-Portuguese torchere stands. The three robust corner legs, supporting triangular tops, elegantly shaped as angels standing on large carved volutes and ending on claw feet. The carved scroll and flower decoration on the side panels framing cartouches with cherubs, insignia of the Society of Jesus, the coat of armas of the Archebishop of Goa, Friar Francisco dos Mártires, as well as that of the Silva e Castro family.
By their grandeur and outstanding quality this pair of torchere stands originate undoubtedly from an important Jesuit Convent in the Portuguese Indian territories. If not from Daman's S. Paulo then most certainly from one of the major Goan Jesuit Houses; S.Paulo the Older, S.Paulo The Younger, S. Roque, or even the Bom Jesus. Independently of their origin the coat of arms will undoubtedly belong to the family who commissioned and donated them.

Date:  17th century
Period:  1600-1750, 17th century
Origin:  India, Goa
Medium: polychrome, Gilt teak
Dimensions: 65.02 x 100.08 x 100.08 cm (25³/₅ x 39²/₅ x 39²/₅ inches)
Exhibitions: Tomás Pereira - Um Jesuíta na China de Kangshi, Centro Cultural e Científico de Macau, Lisboa, 2009
Categories: Oriental and Asian Art