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Vintage Korean Brass Pricket Candle Holder with 12 Traditional Coin Motifs
Beautiful vintage two-piece brass candle holder marked KOREA, featuring a broad circular form, raised central candle spike, removable decorative upper plate, and twelve detailed coin-style medallions around the perimeter.
The warm aged brass, dark recessed detailing, and naturally developed patina give this piece a wonderful old-world look that works beautifully in vintage, eclectic, bohemian, Asian-inspired, maximalist, traditional, or collected home interiors.
FUNCTION & DESIGN
This is a pricket-style candle holder. A wax candle is gently pressed directly onto the raised central spike, which helps secure the candle in place. The wide surrounding plate acts as a decorative bobeche/drip-catching surface.
The upper decorative section lifts off, revealing the broad brass base and central spike construction.
TRADITIONAL COIN MOTIF
Around the outer edge are twelve raised medallions designed to resemble traditional square-hole East Asian cash coins. Each features stylized Hanja/Chinese characters surrounding a square center.
Korea historically used this general style of coin, known as yeopjeon, during the Joseon period. One of the best-known Korean examples is the Sangpyeong Tongbo (常平通寶), a round cash coin featuring a square central opening and Hanja inscription.
The twelve medallions on this candle holder vary in design and appear to be decorative interpretations inspired by traditional Korean and East Asian coinage rather than twelve identical reproductions of one specific historic coin.
DECORATING IDEAS
A striking small accent for:
• Coffee table or console styling
• Bookshelf or curio display
• Meditation or altar space
• Vintage brass collections
• Asian-inspired interiors
• Bohemian or eclectic decor
• Maximalist interiors
• Candlelight table settings
• Study, library or office decor
• Collected vintage home displays
The low, broad profile gives it a sculptural look even when displayed without a candle.
DETAILS
Material: Brass
Country marking: KOREA
Approx. diameter: 4.5"
Construction: Two-piece / removable upper plate
Candle style: Pricket / spike candle holder
Color: Aged gold-tone brass with dark recessed detailing
CONDITION
Very good vintage condition with naturally developed patina and age-appropriate surface wear, including oxidation consistent with age. Central spike is intact and the removable upper section fits properly and snug. No signs of prior use. We'll preserved and cared for as a collectibe display piece.
No polishing has been done that would remove the established vintage character and patina.
Please review all photos closely as they are part of the condition description.
Candle not included.
