Inkwell - Bronze

Elegant and important antique desk inkwell with double well, richly decorated in the Napoleonic III / historicist taste, probably made during the second half of the 19th century.
This writing desk stands out for its particularly elaborate and symmetrical composition.
The central part features a large metal basin, surrounded by abundant high-relief decoration consisting of scrolls, volutes, foliage and floral motifs.
The façade is adorned with a remarkable female mascaron in relief, surrounded by volutes. On each side, there are also motifs of flowering vases, contributing to the very decorative character of the whole.
At the rear of the basin rises a substantial openwork metallic vertical mount, finished at the top with a central cartouche and volute ornaments.
The inkwell has two lateral thick glass reservoirs, square in shape, symmetrically positioned on each side of the central composition.
The front part features a long concave cavity intended to receive the quills or writing instruments.
The black base, strongly moulded and architectural, seems to be made of a combination of materials, probably ebonized/ebonized black wood or ancient molded material and metallic elements. The exact nature of the whole has not been analyzed.
The metal parts display a beautiful old dark patina, with sometimes warmer nuances revealing the underlying metal.
Style and period
Decoration 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 indicated: about 14 cm
Weight: about 3 kg
An object that is particularly heavy and substantial for its size.
Materials
patinated metal, exact nature not tested;
elements possibly brass/bronze or metal alloy;
black base, possibly ebonized wood and/or molded material;
two thick glass basins;
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 from more than a century ago.
The photographs are part of the description and allow precise assessment of the condition, patina and decorative details.
The object has deliberately not been restored or repolished, in order to preserve its appearance and its old patina.
A very beautiful collectible and decorative object, particularly interesting for enthusiasts of antique desk items, writing cabinets, inkwells, Napoléon III decoration and French 19th-century objets.