Art Deco Leaping Dog Inkstand (Franjou)

This piece is a high-quality French Art Deco desk accessory, featuring a dynamic metal figure on a dramatically colored marble base, manufactured by the renowned Moreau workshop.

1. Description and Materials

• Figure and Style: The central figure is a finely cast metal dog in a leaping or running posture. The figure is realistically rendered yet stylized to suit the Art Deco aesthetic.
  • Metal: Cast in metal (bronzed spelter)
  • Inkwell Holder: The single ink reservoir is housed in a metal container (brass) mounted on the side of the base and includes the characteristic hinged lid and space for the original glass liner.
• The Base: “Rouge” Marble
  • Identity: This is most likely Rouge Griotte (a deep, cherry-red French or Belgian marble with white fossils/veins) or a highly figured Rouge Antique marble. The presence of red, tan, brown, gray, and black (as noted in the previous piece) points to a highly variegated, multicolored brecciated marble where the dominant hue is red.

1. Provenance and Age

• Maker and Mark: The piece is stamped “FRANJOU,” which is the known trade name or pseudonym used by the casting workshop associated with the famous French sculptor Hippolyte Moreau in Paris.
• Origin and Age: Made in France during the Art Deco Period, circa 1920–1935.
• Significance: This object is a prime example of the high-end commercial statuary produced by the Moreau factory, showcasing their ability to adapt classical casting quality to the streamlined, dynamic, and luxurious demands of the Art Deco era.