Bronze Ormolu Inkstand

This bronze ormolu inkstand, with its design focus on nature and intricate metal work, is characteristic of the Rococo Revival style popular during the Victorian era.

The inkstand is made of gilded bronze (ormolu). The base is an ornate, pierced bronze casting with flowing curves, scrolls, and rococo-style decoration. A glass inkwell is fitted into a recess on the base. It has an unattached circular lid decorated with a repoussé design of a rose and leaves. Repoussé is a metalworking technique where a malleable metal is hammered into a relief from the reverse side. A tall, graceful arm rising from the base acts as a pen holder , curving over the inkwell. A small bird is perched on a branch to the side of the inkwell, as if it has just alighted.