Inkwell - Bronze
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Antique bronze desk inkwell of French origin in Napoleon III historicist style, dating to 1870–1900, with two glass reservoirs, a central cup, rich relief decoration, height 27 cm and depth 14 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Important and elegant old double-shouldered desk inkwell, richly decorated in the Napoléon III / historicist taste, probably made in the second half of the 19th century.
This writing desk inkwell is distinguished by a particularly elaborate and symmetrical composition.
The central part features a large metal bowl, surrounded by abundant relief decoration composed of scrolls, volutes, foliage and floral motifs.
The façade is topped with a remarkable female heraldic mascaron in relief, surrounded by volutes. On each side are also motifs of flowering vases, contributing to the very decorative character of the whole.
At the rear of the bowl rises a substantial open-work metal vertical mount, finished at the top by a central cartouche and volute ornaments.
The inkwell has two side reservoirs in thick glass, square in shape, symmetrically placed on either side of the central composition.
The front part features a long concave compartment intended to receive quills or writing instruments.
The black base, heavily moulded and architectural, appears to be made from a combination of materials, probably ebonized/blackened wood or molded material and metal elements. The exact nature of the whole has not been analyzed.
The metal parts display a beautiful old dark patina, with warmer tones in places revealing the underlying metal.
Style and period
Decor characteristic of the historicist taste of the second half of the 19th century:
Style: Napoléon III / historicist
Estimated period: second half of the 19th century, around 1870-1900
Probable origin: France
This attribution is given on the basis of the style and construction of the object; no maker’s signature has yet been identified.
Dimensions and weight
Width: about 27 cm
Depth: about 14 cm
Weight: about 3 kg
A particularly heavy and substantial object for its size.
Materials
Patinated metal, exact nature not tested;
Elements possibly in brass/bronze or metal alloy;
Black base, possibly blackened/ebonized wood and/or molded material;
two thick glass bowls;
possible crystal but not guaranteed.
Condition
Good overall condition for its age.
Presence of signs of use, small marks, patina, oxidation and wear compatible with a desk object dating back more than a century.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow precise appreciation of the condition, patina and decorative details.
The item has deliberately not been restored or polished in order to preserve its appearance and antique patina.
Very beautiful collectible and decorative object, particularly interesting for enthusiasts of antique desk objects, writing desks, inkwells, Napoléon III decoration and French 19th-century objects.
Important and elegant old double-shouldered desk inkwell, richly decorated in the Napoléon III / historicist taste, probably made in the second half of the 19th century.
This writing desk inkwell is distinguished by a particularly elaborate and symmetrical composition.
The central part features a large metal bowl, surrounded by abundant relief decoration composed of scrolls, volutes, foliage and floral motifs.
The façade is topped with a remarkable female heraldic mascaron in relief, surrounded by volutes. On each side are also motifs of flowering vases, contributing to the very decorative character of the whole.
At the rear of the bowl rises a substantial open-work metal vertical mount, finished at the top by a central cartouche and volute ornaments.
The inkwell has two side reservoirs in thick glass, square in shape, symmetrically placed on either side of the central composition.
The front part features a long concave compartment intended to receive quills or writing instruments.
The black base, heavily moulded and architectural, appears to be made from a combination of materials, probably ebonized/blackened wood or molded material and metal elements. The exact nature of the whole has not been analyzed.
The metal parts display a beautiful old dark patina, with warmer tones in places revealing the underlying metal.
Style and period
Decor characteristic of the historicist taste of the second half of the 19th century:
Style: Napoléon III / historicist
Estimated period: second half of the 19th century, around 1870-1900
Probable origin: France
This attribution is given on the basis of the style and construction of the object; no maker’s signature has yet been identified.
Dimensions and weight
Width: about 27 cm
Depth: about 14 cm
Weight: about 3 kg
A particularly heavy and substantial object for its size.
Materials
Patinated metal, exact nature not tested;
Elements possibly in brass/bronze or metal alloy;
Black base, possibly blackened/ebonized wood and/or molded material;
two thick glass bowls;
possible crystal but not guaranteed.
Condition
Good overall condition for its age.
Presence of signs of use, small marks, patina, oxidation and wear compatible with a desk object dating back more than a century.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow precise appreciation of the condition, patina and decorative details.
The item has deliberately not been restored or polished in order to preserve its appearance and antique patina.
Very beautiful collectible and decorative object, particularly interesting for enthusiasts of antique desk objects, writing desks, inkwells, Napoléon III decoration and French 19th-century objects.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Number of objects
1
Material
Bronze
Country of origin
France
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
27 cm
Depth
14 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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