Pair of 19th Century French Faience Lion Candlesticks in the Manner of Émile Gallé c.1890

A dramatic and highly sculptural pair of late 19th-century French tin-glazed earthenware (faience) figural candlesticks, modelled in the style of Émile Gallé for Saint-Clément (Nancy).  Densely sculpted as an opposing pair of roaring heraldic lions resting upon swirling wave-form bases, each lion wraps its tail around its body while holding aloft a crenellated castle-turret candle sconce embellished with acanthus relief. Finished in a striking cobalt blue-washed glaze over a pale ground, using subtle tonal shading to highlight the fierce expressions, flowing manes, and sculptural depth.