Inkwell - Bronze

This large double desk inkstand in Neo-Rococo or Second Empire style made of cast and chased bronze stands out for its rich ornamental decoration typical of the second half of the nineteenth century, around the 1860s to 1880s. The openwork structure rests on four small scrolled feet and features a high back gallery centered around a stylized shell topped by scrollwork, flanked by two pen-holder hooks and mythical dolphin figures. The base offers a concave pen tray whose main cartouche is finely engraved with a motif of a crossed quiver with torches and ribbons, while a central compartment with a hinged lid displays raised foliage designs. The set holds two fixed gadrooned inkwells adorned with medallions depicting winged grotesque faun masks. The object measures 14 cm in height, 37 cm in width and 20 cm in depth. Its individual and total weight is 2200 g. This piece bears no apparent foundry signature or markings, which is common for this type of period decorative bronze. The item remains in fair antique condition with a beautiful old gilded patina, showing localized green verdigris oxidation as well as a defect to note regarding the hinge of one of the inkwell lids which has come apart and needs to be repaired. Shipping is exclusively reserved for mainland European Union member countries, and no delivery can be guaranteed to island destinations or overseas territories.