“Moorish” Style Silverplated Inkstand

This ornate 19th-century silver-plated inkstand is a nice example of the “Orientalist” or Moorish-revival style popular in mid-to-late Victorian France. Produced by the renowned firm J. Oudry & Cie, the piece combines technical precision with the exotic aesthetic common in decorative arts of the period.

Form and Construction

The inkstand consists of a wide, saucer-like base supporting a central, goblet-shaped ink reservoir.

• The Reservoir: The inkwell features a classic urn form with a flared rim and a weighted, stepped foot. It is equipped with a hinged lid that opens to reveal a polished interior. It is missing an insert.
• The Finial: The lid is topped with an elaborate, three-tiered finial, adding a vertical elegance to the otherwise broad profile of the stand.
• The Stand: The circular tray provides a generous perimeter, traditionally intended to catch ink drips or serve as a resting place for a dip pen.

Ornamentation and Style

The piece is heavily embellished with low-relief, chased ornamentation inspired by Islamic and North African design.

• Motifs: The surface is covered in dense, interlocking arabesques, trefoils, and stylized floral patterns. The geometry is organized into panels on the reservoir, while the tray features concentric bands of repeating geometric borders and scrolling foliage.
• Aesthetic: This “Moorish” style was a hallmark of the 19th-century French interest in the Levant and North Africa, often showcased at International Expositions.

Manufacturer and Markings

The rim of the base bears the stamped marking: J. OUDRI & CIE PRES EDITEURS DEPOSÉ.

• J. Oudry & Cie: Founded by Justin Oudry, this Parisian firm was a pioneer in “galvanoplastic” (electroplating) techniques. They were celebrated for their ability to replicate the fine details of hand-cast bronze in more accessible materials like white metal or copper, finished with high-quality silver or bronze plating.
• Pres Editeurs: This indicates that Oudry acted as the “publisher” or authorized caster for this specific model, likely collaborating with a professional sculptor who designed the original pattern.
• Déposé: Short for Modèle Déposé, this signifies that the design was a legally registered and protected copyright of the Oudry firm, a common practice for high-end decorative manufacturers to prevent imitation.

Technical Details

• Material: The piece is likely composed of a “white metal” or copper-based alloy, finished through the electro-chemical galvanoplastic process Oudry helped to perfect.
• Date: Circa 1855–1875. The firm was particularly active and award-winning during this window, notably participating in the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle.