jmk - Desk set - Bronze

This double inkwell made of gutta-percha dates from the Napoleonic III era (1852-1870), a period marked by a pronounced taste for decorative ornamental objects and innovative materials. Gutta-percha, a thermoplastic natural resin originating from Southeast Asia, was highly prized in the 19th century for its ability to be molded into detailed shapes and its elegant ebony-like appearance. These inkwells were essential desk accessories in French bourgeois homes, combining functionality with refined aesthetics. The reclining lion symbolizes strength and nobility, themes popular in decorative art of the period. These pieces are particularly sought after by collectors of Napoleonic III objects, enthusiasts of antique desk accessories, and lovers of 19th-century decorative arts. Gutta-percha has become rare today, making these objects even more valuable for their historical significance and craftsmanship. Collectors appreciate these inkwells for their elegant design, symbolism, and testimony to an era when writing was a refined daily art.