Bronze and Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand

A French Baroque style cobalt porcelain and patinated bronze double inkstand – this figural inkstand styled in the shape of scalloped shells with cast bronze mounts in a dark brown patina. Two bronze inkwells with hinged domed lids are separated by a porcelain pen holder. Richly decorated throughout, a winged woman’s head and torso form the top, with another woman’s face forming part of the front leg. Three porcelain scalloped shells serve to hold writing implements.

Cobalt is a chemical element, and it is a strong, silvery-white metal, and when painted on pottery and porcelain as an oxide of cobalt carbonate – before the dishes are alloyed, it turns dark blue during burning in the oven.