18th Century Rushnip Candle Holder
18th century Irish wrought iron and treen rushnip and candle holder.
Height: 27cm X Width: 9cm X Depth: 9cm
A rushnip is a type of antique rushlight holder, a device used to hold a rushlight (a candle made from a rush dipped in grease). The clamp that holds the rushlight at an angle for burning. These were common in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1709 the government introduced a tax on candles sold by chandlers or made in the home. Harsh punishments for infringements of the candle tax meant that rushlights, which were excluded from the tax to help the very poor, suddenly became popular with the thrifty middle class who were evading the tax.
Provenance: The Rectory at Portumna. Edward E Evans (died 1933), resided as Provost of Kilmacduagh and Canon of Clonfert, Galway. Thence by decent.
Price: £750
