Item number: X60

Year: AD 1920s

Material: Wrought Iron

Size: 158 x 108 mm

Weight: 0.5 kg

Provenance: Marc Aurel Antiquitäten & Wohnen 2025

This Rat de Cave candlestick, literally meaning “cellar rat,” is a specialised portable lighting device used in the wine-producing regions of France, particularly in Burgundy and the Loire Valley. These candlesticks first appeared in the 17th century and were widely used throughout the 18th century. They were designed primarily to provide movable illumination in the dimly lit and confined spaces of wine cellars.

The candlestick is made of hand-forged iron and comprises a broad circular drip pan, a vertical spiral shaft, an adjustable internal candle support, and an elongated hooked handle. The circular base serves both to collect dripping wax and to provide stability, allowing the candlestick to stand securely on the tops of barrels, cellar shelves, or uneven wooden surfaces. The spiral shaft forms the candle holder, with an internal sliding support (poussoir) that can be raised as the candle burns down, ensuring the candle remains level with the top of the holder and making full use of the remaining wax.

The elongated hooked handle, known as the “rat-tail,” allows the candlestick to be carried by hand or hung from the edge of barrels, wall pegs, or wooden fittings, leaving both hands free for tasks such as racking, tasting, or transferring wine. In enclosed spaces with wooden structures and alcohol vapours, the broad iron base and secure candle support also reduce the risk of accidental tipping.

The Rat de Cave is a typical example of rural French ironwork, representing the practical craftsmanship of country blacksmiths rather than urban luxury production. While primarily utilitarian, variations in the shape of the handle, the spacing of the spiral, and the finish of the forged surfaces can provide clues to workshop traditions and local production methods.

In terms of dating, the characteristics of this candlestick suggest it is likely a work from the late 19th to early 20th century, or a finely made modern reproduction. Key indicators include:

1. Manufacturing techniques and materials

18th century and earlier: Genuine antiques are usually hand-forged, with visible hammer marks and irregular, rugged lines.

19th century: Spiral curves are more uniform and the structure more refined, though still iron-made.

Modern reproductions: Machine-bent, with smooth surfaces, often coated with modern anti-rust paint, and lacking natural patina.

2. Rat-tail handle shape

Early 1800s: Handles are sharply pointed and highly curved, facilitating hanging on barrels or walls.

Late 19th century or reproductions: Handles are designed for comfort and aesthetic appeal.

3. Spiral raising mechanism

Rough, uneven welding: Indicative of an older piece.

Smooth, precise sliding: Likely a modern manufacture.

Today, such candlesticks are valued as tangible evidence of pre-electric lighting and as a reflection of historical European wine-making practices. They are commonly found in museum collections relating to domestic lighting, rural craftsmanship, and the history of viticulture.

物件編號: X60

年代: 公元 1920 年代

材料: 鍛鐵

尺寸: 158 x 108 mm

重量: 0.5 kg

來源: 馬可·奧勒留 古董和家居裝飾 2025

這件「酒窖之鼠」（Rat de Cave）燭台，字面意思為「酒窖老鼠」，是一種專門用於法國葡萄酒產區的便攜式燭台，尤其盛行於勃艮第（Burgundy）和盧瓦爾河谷（Loire Valley）。這類燭台最早出現於17世紀，並在18世紀廣泛使用，設計的核心目的是在酒窖這種光線昏暗、空間狹小的環境中提供可移動的照明。

燭台由手工鍛鐵製成，結構包含寬大的圓形托盤、垂直螺旋柱、可調節的內部蠟燭支架，以及長型彎鉤手把。圓形底座既能收集滴蠟，又能提供穩定支撐，使燭台可安全放置於酒桶頂部、木架或不平整的木質表面。螺旋柱形成蠟燭座，內部可上下旋轉的推桿（poussoir）設計，能隨著蠟燭燃燒高度下降，保持蠟燭始終與燭座頂端齊平，充分利用蠟燭餘蠟。

長型彎鉤手把，即所謂「鼠尾」，使燭台便於手持或掛於酒桶邊緣、牆上掛鉤或木質構件上，雙手仍可自由操作，如倒酒、品酒或搬運酒液。在木質結構及酒精蒸氣充斥的封閉空間中，寬大的鐵製底座與穩固的蠟燭支架亦降低了意外傾倒的風險。

「酒窖之鼠」是法國鄉村鐵工藝的典型範例，代表了農村鐵匠的實用手藝，而非都市奢華工藝。雖以實用為主，但手把形狀、螺旋間距及鍛造表面細節上的區別，可提供關於工坊傳統與地方生產的線索。

從年代判斷來看，這件燭台的特徵顯示，它很可能是 19世紀末-20世紀初期的作品，或者是一件精緻的近代復刻品。可從以下細節觀察：

1. 製作工藝與材質

18世紀及更早: 古董通常由手工鍛鐵製成，表面有明顯敲打痕跡，線條粗獷不規則。

19世紀: 螺旋曲線較均勻、結構精細，仍以鐵製為主。

近代復刻品: 機器彎折，表面平滑，常塗現代防鏽漆，缺乏自然銹斑。

2. 鼠尾手把形狀

1800年代初期: 手把尖銳且彎曲度大，方便掛於酒桶或牆上。

19世紀晚期或復刻品: 手把更注重拿取舒適性與美觀。

3. 螺旋推升機制

焊接粗糙、不平整: 年代久遠的特徵。

推桿滑順精準: 近代製作可能性高。

今天，這類燭台被視為電力照明前的物質證據，同時反映歷史歐洲葡萄酒產業的工作習慣，常見於博物館中展示家庭照明、鄉村手工藝與葡萄酒歷史 的收藏中。