French Champlevé Enamel Desk Set

1. Components

The set consists of two matching pieces:

• The Inkstand: A large, scalloped tray featuring two integrated inkwells and a central pen holder. The inkwells are urn-shaped with hinged, domed lids topped with finials.
• The Rocker Blotter: A separate, handheld ink blotter with a rectangular base and a central knob handle, decorated to match the stand perfectly.

2. Materials and Technique

• Champlevé Enamel: The piece showcases the Champlevé technique, where fields are carved or cast into the brass or bronze surface and then filled with vitreous enamel. One can see the thick, gilded metal walls separating the colors.
• Color Palette: The design features a striking sky blue (turquoise) ground. The intricate floral and scroll motifs are detailed in white, dark cobalt blue, pink, red, and touches of green.
• Gilt Bronze: The exposed metal areas (the finials, pen rests, and the scrolling edges of the tray) are gilt bronze.

3. Design Details

• Style: The scrolling, foliated edges and symmetrical floral patterns suggest a Rococo Revival or Louis XV influence, which was very popular in French decorative arts of this period.
• Functionality: The inkstand includes two curved brackets in the center intended to hold a pen horizontally. The interiors of the inkwells appear to be dark metal, and the glass liners are missing.
• Construction: The underside of the tray reveals the “raw” brass base and construction screws.