Vintage Brass Laughing Buddha Budai Figural Pricket Candlesticks Pair 4.6\" For Sale

Vintage Brass Laughing Buddha Budai
Figural Pricket Candlesticks Pair 4.6\"

Offered here is a distinctive matching pair of small vintage brass figural candlesticks featuring Laughing Buddha (Budai) figures with raised arms supporting removable candle assemblies. Each figure stands on a substantial square decorative base featuring stepped architectural detailing.

These unusual candlesticks have an especially interesting multi-component construction. The figural bodies appear to be cast brass, while the removable candle assemblies incorporate separately machined solid-brass prickets, removable circular drip pans, and separate threaded retaining collars. The prickets exhibit remarkably fine, uniform machine-style threading with a clearly defined flat crest and approximately 60° thread profile. Measurements are consistent with an approximately 7/32\" diameter and approximately 24 TPI thread, although the exact historical thread standard has not been independently established.

The candlesticks retain an attractive aged brown/bronze brass patina with areas of natural green verdigris. Examination also revealed traces of candle wax/soot around the pricket area, consistent with actual candle use.

Based on their construction, materials, decorative style, and patination, we believe these examples date to the mid-1900s. The exact maker, country of origin, and date have not been identified. Their unusually small size, detailed figural design, and multi-piece construction make this an especially interesting pair for collectors of vintage brass, Buddhist-inspired decorative arts, and figural candlesticks.

Measurements: Approximately 4.58\" tall x 2.87\" square at the base. Each candlestick weighs approximately 8.7 oz.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and document the condition, patina, construction, and details of these unusual pieces.

Company / Historical Context

Depictions of Budai, commonly known as the Laughing Buddha, have been incorporated into a wide variety of decorative and functional objects, including candlesticks, incense holders, and other ornamental metalwork. Brass has been used extensively in the production of Buddhist religious objects and Buddhist-inspired decorative arts across different regions and periods.

The precise cultural origin, intended use, and original manufacturing context of these candlesticks have not been established. Their construction combines cast decorative elements with separately machined or formed brass components.

These examples are offered based on their observed characteristics and are not represented as the work of a specific maker or as originating from a particular country or religious tradition.

SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions Approx. 4.58\" H x 2.87\" square base each. Weight Approx. 8.7 oz each. Condition Vintage condition with an attractive, naturally aged brass patina. Both candlesticks are structurally complete and display the expected surface oxidation, darker brown/bronze coloration, and areas of green verdigris associated with age. The removable prickets, threaded collars, and drip pans are present and functional. The prickets exhibit fine machining marks and clean, well-defined threading. There are minor surface marks, small areas of oxidation, discoloration, and age-related wear consistent with the age and previous use of the pieces. Traces of historic candle wax/soot were observed around the pricket area. No major structural damage was observed. The candlesticks have intentionally not been polished to preserve their attractive, naturally aged patina and evidence of previous use. 📦

Extreme care will be taken during packaging and shipping. Items tend to ship with an excessive amount of padding. Dickson Antiques strives to use recycled packaging materials wherever possible. Buyer will receive a selection of tasty imported candies. A tracking number will be provided prior to shipment.

Questions?

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© Dickson Antiques 2026 Disclaimer Item condition is reflected in the listing photos. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Dimensions: Approx. 4.58\" H x 2.87\" square base each.
Weight: Approx. 8.7 oz each. Distinctive vintage pair of small figural brass candlesticks featuring Laughing Buddha (Budai) figures with raised arms supporting removable candle assemblies. Each figure stands on a substantial square decorative base. Cast brass bodies have attractive aged brown/bronze patina with natural verdigris. Removable candle assemblies include separately machined solid-brass prickets, formed drip pans, and threaded retaining collars. The fine, uniform machine-style threading measures approximately 7/32\" diameter and 24 TPI. Believed mid-1900s. Maker, country of origin, and exact date unknown. Wax/soot residue present. Please see photos for condition and detail.