Bronze Horse Head Inkwell

An intricately detailed bronze inkwell in the form of a horse’s head. The horse has glass eyes and seems to have a startled look. The hinged top opens to access the inkwell. In the center of the bridle, there is what looks like a butterfly. Or perhaps just ornamentation on the bridle. Either way, this could serve as a pen rest. The inkwell is signed on the bridle “Giroux”.

Maison Alphonse Giroux was founded by François-Simon-Alphonse and continued in 1838 by his two sons, Alphonse-Gustave (1810-1886) and André (1801-1879). They specialized in fine quality small furnishings and decorative works of art such as caskets, candlesticks, trays and mirrors; and were favored by the French royal family; a testament to the exceptional quality of the works they produced. In 1867 Alphonse Giroux ceded the company to Duvinage and Harinkouck, who continued the firm under the same name until 1885 when it closed. Important works of art by Maison Alphonse Giroux can now be found in many of the major museums across the world including the Musée d’Orsay, Paris.