An elegant German porcelain desk inkstand (“Tintenzeug”/“Schreibzeug”) by the renowned manufacturer Von Schierholz, Plaue, Thuringia (founded 1817). Marked to the base with the factory’s crown-and-shield mark above “von Schierholz” and “Handmalerei” (hand-painted) in script — a mark in use from the 1930s onward. Above the main mark is a partially legible banner stamp, most likely indicating a production date of circa 1940. An impressed model number (6668) also appears to the base. The piece follows the classic Schierholz inkstand form: an oval, scalloped tray (“Ablage”) flanked by two scrolled rococo-style pen rests, with a central lidless cylindrical inkwell vessel. It is decorated with a hand-painted floral bouquet (roses and mixed blooms) to the tray, and with individually applied, hand-painted porcelain flowers (roses and forget-me-nots) to the scrolled handles and inkwell body — the factory’s celebrated “Blumenmalerei” technique — finished with gilt edging throughout. Dimensions: base 23 x 15 cm, height 5 cm. Condition: excellent vintage condition.