Tiger Hand-Painted Fayoum Pottery Candle Holder

The Tiger Hand-Painted Fayoum Pottery Candle Holder is part candlestick, part sculpture and very much a character in his own right. Shaped entirely by hand in Fayoum, the elongated tiger carries two taper candles along his back, turning a functional object into something wonderfully unexpected. Each tiger is individually formed and painted by hand, with loose markings and the small irregularities that come from the maker’s hand. No two are exactly alike, giving each its own stance, expression and personality. Place him on a mantelpiece, console or shelf where he works beautifully as a decorative object even without candles. Come evening, add two tapers and bring him to the table — a rather magnificent cat to have dinner with.