Pump Inkstand in Figurative Sculpture

This porcelain inkstand merges the technical precision of a manual pump mechanism with the whimsical aesthetic of a figurative sculpture.

The Subject: A Girl and Her Sorbet

The young girl in this scene is depicted in an act of leisure, holding and stirring a small bowl of sorbet or granita.

• Visual Evidence: She holds a small, shallow bowl (coupe) containing a vibrant purple-pink substance, into which she has placed a tiny spoon.
• Cultural Context: In the late 19th century, sorbet and flavored ices were popular luxury treats in Parisian cafes. The bright pink color likely represents a raspberry or blackcurrant flavor, a common motif in French porcelain figurines of this era.

Description of the Inkstand

• Figurine: The girl is dressed in a classic 1880s-style summer outfit, featuring a wide-brimmed yellow hat with a blue ribbon and a white dress adorned with small floral sprays and gold gilt trim.
• Reservoir: The “pump” mechanism is housed within a large, upright porcelain vessel decorated with bold, vertical purple “feather” or leaf strokes.
• The Font: At the front of this vessel is the dipping font, shaped like an opening flower bud in shades of pink and green.
• Base: The entire scene is set upon a naturalistic base molded with large, gold-tipped leaves.

Technical Mechanism: “A Pompe”

The brass turn-knob at the top is clearly stamped “ENCRIER – T.H. – PARIS – A POMPE”. This confirms it operates using the positive displacement system perfected in the mid-19th century:

1. The Plunger: Inside the main purple-decorated reservoir is a solid porcelain plunger attached to the threaded rod of the brass knob.
2. The Action: When the user turns the knob, the plunger is forced downward into the ink-filled chamber.
3. The Result: This downward pressure forces a fresh supply of ink to rise through an internal channel and into the flower-shaped dipping font at the front.
4. The Seal: To prevent the small amount of ink in the font from drying out, a small brass lid (secured by a safety chain) is placed over the flower opening when the pen is not in use.

The “T.H.” Manufacturer

As established with previous “pump” models, the T.H. initials refer to the Parisian workshop of Théodore Haviland. While the Haviland family is primarily associated with fine Limoges table service, Théodore’s Paris branch specialized in these high-end “mechanical” desk novelties. Link: Pump Inkwell – “ENCRIER – T.H. – PARIS – A POMPE” – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)

The combination of a complex pump mechanism with a hand-painted genre figurine suggests this was a premium item intended for a lady’s writing desk during the Belle Époque (circa 1885–1895).