French Cloisonné and Marble Triple Inkstand

Description

• Base: The inkstand’s base is a substantial block of polished white marble (calcite onyx), which rests on four ornate metal feet. The base is carved with front and back channels designed to hold pens, and it includes two curved handles.
• Inkwells: The three cylindrical inkwells are the focal point of the piece. They are made of enameled bronze using the cloisonné technique. This method involves using thin metal strips to form compartments that are then filled with vibrant, colored enamel, creating the intricate patterns seen on the inkwells.
• Enameled Decoration: A colorful band of repeating geometric patterns circles the base, and similar decorative work is visible on the inkwell lids and bodies. The rich colors of the enamel—blues, reds, greens, and yellows—provide a striking contrast to the white marble and bronze.
• Maker: Each inkwell is signed by Ferdinand Barbedienne, one of the most celebrated and highly regarded founders and manufacturers of decorative bronze and fine art reproductions of the 19th century. His work is known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Context and Age

The inkstand’s use of cloisonné, a technique that saw a popular revival in France during the mid to late 19th century, combined with the signature of Ferdinand Barbedienne (who died in 1892), places its creation in the late 19th century, likely between the 1870s and 1892. The combination of a solid stone base with high-quality, enameled bronze is a classic hallmark of his workshop’s creations.