Reading a Piece Before You Buy It
Online, you cannot pick the object up. Here is how to read a listing closely so you know what you are getting.
Everything you need to judge a piece is in the listing, if you know how to read it.
Summary
- Each piece in the archive has a name, serial number, status, and detailed information.
- Photographs from several angles show form, grain, and condition.
- Asking questions before buying is encouraged.
Key takeaways
- Look beyond the first image.
- Check the details and the provenance.
- When in doubt, ask us.
Buying a handmade object without holding it requires a bit of care. Here is how to approach it.
Start with the serial and the name
Each piece has a serial number and a name. The serial identifies it in our records, and you can look it up on the Verify page to see its certificate. The name gives you a sense of its character. Together, they are the piece's identity.
Look at the whole outline
Check how the photographs present the piece: whole, not cropped. You should be able to see the full silhouette. Study it from each angle. Notice the base, the body, the plate at the top.
Zoom in on the grain
Look at the close-ups. Pay attention to the streaks and the texture. Notice whether the surface looks smooth and even, or has pits, ridges, or small irregularities. Those are normal in a natural material, and part of the character.
If you want to see a particular area more closely, ask us for additional photographs.
Read the details
The listing includes information about the piece: its dimensions, origin, and notes on its form and finish. Pay attention to the size. A candleholder that looks modest in a photograph can be quite substantial in person, and the reverse.
Think about the plate at the top and the candle it holds. Our pieces are designed around a pillar candle sitting on a turned plate.
Consider the weight
The wood is dense. A piece may be heavier than you expect. That is part of its appeal, but it matters for placement. Make sure the surface where you plan to put it can support it, and that it will not be knocked.
Consider the finish and the care
The finish is mineral oil and natural beeswax, applied by hand. It is meant to be renewed over time. If you want a maintenance-free, hard-coated surface, this may not suit you. If you enjoy caring for a natural object, it will. See How to Care for a Root-Wood Candleholder.
Ask questions
If anything is unclear, ask. We would rather answer ten questions than have a buyer feel uncertain. You can reach us through the site or by WhatsApp.
Trust your reaction
In the end, the choice is emotional as much as rational. If a piece keeps drawing your eye, that is meaningful. Use the details to confirm what your instinct is telling you.
Common questions
Can I get extra photos of a piece?
Yes. Contact us and we will send additional images.
Are dimensions listed?
Details for each piece are shown in the archive. Ask us if you need something specific.
Keep reading
Every piece is one of one.
Browse the specimen archive and acquire the piece that speaks to you. Each is catalogued once and sold once.