Tinteiro - Bronze

Important and elegant antique desk inkwell with double compartments, richly decorated in the Napoléon III / historicist taste, probably made during the second half of the 19th century.
This writing desk is distinguished by a particularly elaborate and symmetrical composition.
The central part features a large metal bowl, surrounded by abundant relief decoration composed of tendrils, volutes, foliage and floral motifs.
The front is adorned with a remarkable feminine mascaron in relief, surrounded by volutes. On each side there are also motifs of flowering vases, contributing to the highly decorative character of the whole.
At the rear of the bowl rises a substantial openwork vertical metal frame, finished at the top with a central cartouche and volute ornaments.
The inkwell has two lateral glass reservoirs, thick, square-shaped, symmetrically placed on each side of the central composition.
The front part has a long concave recess intended to receive the nibs or writing instruments.
The black base, strongly moulded and architectural, seems to be made of a combination of materials, probably blackened/ebonized wood or old moulded material and metal elements. The exact nature of the whole has not been analyzed.
The metal parts show a beautiful old dark patina, with areas of warmer tones 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 indicated: 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 brass/bronze or metal alloy;
black base, possibly blackened/ebonized wood and/or moulded material;
two thick glass bowls;
crystal possible 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 item dating from over a century ago.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow a precise appreciation of the condition, patina and decorative details.
The object has intentionally not been restored or polished, in order to preserve its old look and patina.
Very beautiful collectible and decorative object, particularly interesting for enthusiasts of antique desk items, inkwells, Napoléon III decoration and 19th-century French objects.