Inkwell - Copper






Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
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France-origin copper desk set from the first half of the 20th century, comprising a large central desk top, two square inkholders with circular lids, two side elements with tall square shafts, an independent tipping blotter with a sculpted handle, and decorative animal motifs (likely a lion or Fo dog), with a brown‑black patina and warmer tones, possible verdigris, and generally good condition with signs of use and minor imperfections.
Description from the seller
Elegant and imposing antique desk accessory, presumably from the first half of the 20th century, featuring a beautiful dark patina and a remarkable animal-inspired decoration with Asian influences. The set is organized around a large desk surface supported by small worked feet. It includes several coordinated elements:
- a large central surface;
- two square-shaped ink containers with circular lids;
- two lateral elements with tall square shafts;
- an independent tilt blotter, with its carved handle;
- several ornaments depicting a stylized animal, probably a lion or Fu dog holding a ball.
The blotter is particularly decorative: its lower part is rounded to allow the characteristic tilting motion of antique desk blotters.
The two lateral elements feature a very geometric architecture, with quadrangular columns and square bases resting on four decorative feet.
The ensemble offers an interesting contrast between the sober, geometric lines of the set and the small animal sculptures, which are much more expressive.
Material
The piece appears to be made of patinated metal or a patinated metal alloy in a brown-black patina, with certain areas showing warmer nuances.
A slight greenish oxidation is visible inside some cavities, which may indicate the presence of a copper-containing alloy. However, the exact metal composition has not been tested and is therefore not guaranteed.
No punch mark or signature is identifiable in the presented photographs.
Condition
Good overall condition considering its age.
Presence of normal signs of use and time: small scratches, wear, superficial marks, dust, patina variations, and a few small traces of oxidation.
The antique patina has been intentionally preserved and the piece has not undergone aggressive polishing.
Please study the photographs carefully, which are an integral part of the description and allow a precise assessment of its condition.
Dating and style
Elegant and imposing antique desk accessory, presumably from the first half of the 20th century, featuring a beautiful dark patina and a remarkable animal-inspired decoration with Asian influences. The set is organized around a large desk surface supported by small worked feet. It includes several coordinated elements:
- a large central surface;
- two square-shaped ink containers with circular lids;
- two lateral elements with tall square shafts;
- an independent tilt blotter, with its carved handle;
- several ornaments depicting a stylized animal, probably a lion or Fu dog holding a ball.
The blotter is particularly decorative: its lower part is rounded to allow the characteristic tilting motion of antique desk blotters.
The two lateral elements feature a very geometric architecture, with quadrangular columns and square bases resting on four decorative feet.
The ensemble offers an interesting contrast between the sober, geometric lines of the set and the small animal sculptures, which are much more expressive.
Material
The piece appears to be made of patinated metal or a patinated metal alloy in a brown-black patina, with certain areas showing warmer nuances.
A slight greenish oxidation is visible inside some cavities, which may indicate the presence of a copper-containing alloy. However, the exact metal composition has not been tested and is therefore not guaranteed.
No punch mark or signature is identifiable in the presented photographs.
Condition
Good overall condition considering its age.
Presence of normal signs of use and time: small scratches, wear, superficial marks, dust, patina variations, and a few small traces of oxidation.
The antique patina has been intentionally preserved and the piece has not undergone aggressive polishing.
Please study the photographs carefully, which are an integral part of the description and allow a precise assessment of its condition.
Dating and style
