Inkwell - Bronze

Important and elegant antique desktop inkwell with double reservoir, richly decorated in the Napoléon III / Historicist style, probably produced in the second half of the 19th century.
This writing desk set is distinguished by a particularly elaborate and symmetrical composition.
The central part features a large metal bowl, surrounded by abundant high-relief decoration consisting of tendrils, volutes, foliage and floral motifs.
The facade is adorned with a remarkable female mascaron in relief, surrounded by volutes. On each side, vase-like floral motifs also appear, contributing to the highly decorative character of the whole.
At the back of the bowl rises a substantial openwork metal mount, vertically oriented, finished at its upper part by a central cartouche and volute ornaments.
The inkwell has two lateral glass reservoirs, thick and square-shaped, symmetrically placed on each side of the central composition.
The front section features a long concave recess intended to receive pens or writing instruments.
The black base, heavily molded and architectured, seems to be made of a combination of materials, probably blackened/ebonized wood or old molded material and metallic elements. The exact nature of the whole has not been analyzed.
The metal parts exhibit a beautiful old dark patina, with some areas showing warmer hues 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 manufacturer’s signature has yet been identified.
Dimensions and weight
Width: about 27 cm
Depth: about 14 cm
Weight: about 3 kg
An object particularly heavy and substantial for its dimensions.
Materials
patinated metal, exact nature not tested;
elements possibly brass/bronze or metal alloy;
black base, possibly blackened/ebonized wood and/or molded material;
two thick glass reservoirs;
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 bureau item dating from more than a century ago.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow precise assessment of 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 lovers of antique desk items, writing boxes, inkwells, Napoléon III decor and French 19th-century objects."