French Chinoiserie Inkstand with English Royal Provenance

This is a magnificent example of a French Chinoiserie Inkstand, blending the whimsical “Chinese-style” decorative arts popular in the 18th century with the heavy, luxurious craftsmanship of the 19th-century Rococo Revival.

Provenance: Bearing a handwritten inscription: “Given to Sir Arch. Edmonstone by H.M. King Edward VII at Christmas 1907.”

On the bottom of the inkstand is a note revealing a provenance providing a direct link to the inner circle of the British Royal Court during the Edwardian era.

The Recipient: Sir Archibald Edmonstone

The recipient of this Christmas gift was almost certainly Sir Archibald Edmonstone, 5th Baronet of Duntreath (1867–1954).

Sir Archibald was a Scottish courtier who served as a Groom-in-Waiting to King Edward VII from 1907 to 1910. The date on the note, Christmas 1907, marks the very first year of his official appointment to the King’s household. Edward VII (reigned 1901–1910) was famous for his “Merry Monarch” persona and his habit of gifting high-quality luxury items—often French in origin—to his close friends and staff. The Edmonstones were part of the King’s intimate social circle; in fact, the King stood as godfather to Sir Archibald’s son, Edward, in 1901.

Detailed Description of the Inkstand

This piece is a “Double Inkstand” designed for a grand writing desk. It is a masterclass in the French goût chinois (Chinese taste).

• The Base & Surface: The oval, shaped tray features a black lacquer surface—likely Vernis Martin (a French imitation of East Asian lacquer). It is decorated with delicate Chinoiserie scenes in raised gold, depicting pagodas, cranes (symbols of longevity), and stylized landscapes.
• The Ormolu Mounts: The tray is encased in a heavy gilt-bronze (ormolu) frame. The metalwork is in the Rococo style, characterized by “C-scrolls,” acanthus leaves, and asymmetrical floral motifs. The four feet are particularly elaborate, providing a sense of “lift” to the heavy piece.
• The Vessels:
  • The Inkwell: One of the two lidded pots served as the ink reservoir.
  • The Sander (Pounce Pot): The other pot is a sander with the perforated inner grille. Before blotting paper became standard, writers sprinkled fine sand or “pounce” (crushed cuttlefish bone or resin) over wet ink to dry it quickly.
• Central Glass Vessel: The glass in the center, held by an ormolu ring, is a pen-washer. It would have been filled with water or lead shot/bristle brushes to clean the nibs of dip pens after use.

Age and Origin

While the style is Louis XV (c. 1750), this piece was made in France during the mid-to-late 19th century (c. 1860–1880).

During the Second Empire (Napoleon III) and the Third Republic, Parisian makers like Samson, Sormani, or Beurdeley specialized in creating “revival” pieces of incredible quality that often surpassed the 18th-century originals. Given that it was a Royal gift in 1907, it was likely selected as a “fine antique” or a high-end luxury commission from a top Parisian dealer of the time.

Summary

Royal Provenance: The Edmonstone Inkstand A fine French Gilt-Bronze and Chinoiserie Lacquer Inkstand, circa 1870.

This ornate desk set features two lidded vessels—an inkwell and a sander (pounce pot)—flanking a central crystal pen-washer. The black lacquer surface is decorated in the Chinoiserie style with gold pagodas and landscapes, framed by elaborate Rococo ormolu mounts.

Provenance: Bearing a handwritten inscription: “Given to Sir Arch. Edmonstone by H.M. King Edward VII at Christmas 1907.” Sir Archibald Edmonstone, 5th Bt., was a Groom-in-Waiting to the King and a member of his intimate social circle. This piece represents a personal gift from the “Merry Monarch” during the height of the Edwardian era.