Inkwell - Brass
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Brass desk inkwell from the late 19th century (c. 1800–1900) with a gilded surface, in Historicism and Renaissance Revival style, featuring an elaborately decorated elongated base with animal-foot supports and sculpted fantastical creature heads.
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Description from the seller
A large, richly decorated antique desk inkstand from the second half of the 19th century, made of cast brass with a golden surface.
An impressive example of 19th-century historicism and eclecticism, with clear Renaissance Revival / neorenaissance influences, typical of European decorative objects and study furnishings from the late 19th century.
The inkstand has an extended, elongated base about 32–33 cm wide, supported on decorative legs in the form of animal paws. The surface of the base is filled with rich openwork plant motifs, volutes, and decorative borders.
On both sides of the composition are large, fully sculptural heads of fantastic beasts with transverse elements that can function as pen supports. Flanking the central part are two plastically modeled figures of fantastical creatures with scaly, coiled bodies.
In the center there is a cylindrical ink container with a hinged, richly openwork domed lid. The whole is crowned by a very characteristic finial depicting an owl.
The richness of ornamentation, motifs of mythical creatures, botanical decoration, openwork elements, and the form of the base correspond to inkstands made in Europe during late historicism, especially around 1870–1900.
Material: cast brass / copper alloy with a gilt surface. The material has not been lab-tested.
Dimensions: width about 32–33 cm. Exact height and depth will be provided according to measurement.
The item is preserved in good condition for its age. Natural signs of use, patina, localized discolorations, and surface wear are visible. The lid of the central container is movable, and the hinge mechanism has been preserved. The item has not been restored or heavily polished by me.
The manufacturer and exact country of origin have not been confirmed. At this stage the item is attributed to European production from the second half of the 19th century. All photographs are an integral part of the description and accurately depict the condition and workmanship details.
A large, richly decorated antique desk inkstand from the second half of the 19th century, made of cast brass with a golden surface.
An impressive example of 19th-century historicism and eclecticism, with clear Renaissance Revival / neorenaissance influences, typical of European decorative objects and study furnishings from the late 19th century.
The inkstand has an extended, elongated base about 32–33 cm wide, supported on decorative legs in the form of animal paws. The surface of the base is filled with rich openwork plant motifs, volutes, and decorative borders.
On both sides of the composition are large, fully sculptural heads of fantastic beasts with transverse elements that can function as pen supports. Flanking the central part are two plastically modeled figures of fantastical creatures with scaly, coiled bodies.
In the center there is a cylindrical ink container with a hinged, richly openwork domed lid. The whole is crowned by a very characteristic finial depicting an owl.
The richness of ornamentation, motifs of mythical creatures, botanical decoration, openwork elements, and the form of the base correspond to inkstands made in Europe during late historicism, especially around 1870–1900.
Material: cast brass / copper alloy with a gilt surface. The material has not been lab-tested.
Dimensions: width about 32–33 cm. Exact height and depth will be provided according to measurement.
The item is preserved in good condition for its age. Natural signs of use, patina, localized discolorations, and surface wear are visible. The lid of the central container is movable, and the hinge mechanism has been preserved. The item has not been restored or heavily polished by me.
The manufacturer and exact country of origin have not been confirmed. At this stage the item is attributed to European production from the second half of the 19th century. All photographs are an integral part of the description and accurately depict the condition and workmanship details.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
No
Number of objects
1
Material
Brass
Country of origin
France
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
1800-1900
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