Old Paris Porcelain Inkstand

This is an Old Paris (Vieux Paris) hard-paste porcelain inkstand made in the dramatic, flamboyant Rococo Revival style.

Who Made It & Where Was It Made?

• Maker: Attributed to Jacob Petit (or made in his immediate circle/style by a prominent Paris manufactory like Darte Frères or Samson). Jacob Petit (1796–1868) was renowned for his whimsical, highly eclectic, and heavily gilded Rococo Revival ceramics produced in Paris and Fontainebleau.
• Origin: Paris, France (Old Paris Porcelain / Vieux Paris).

When Was It Made?

• Date: Circa 1835–1850 (July Monarchy / Louis-Philippe period). During this era, French porcelain makers experienced a massive resurgence of interest in 18th-century Rococo forms, combining heavy gilding with rich, contrasting enamel colors.

Key Features & Design Elements

• Color Palette & Glaze: Features a striking dual-tone background with a rose-pink ground across the top tray and a deep teal blue (bleu céleste) skirt/base, trimmed extensively in heavy burnished gold gilt scrollwork.
• Central Mask Motif: At the center sits a relief-molded, gilded classical female head/mask flanked by scrolling acanthus motifs.
• Overhead Handle & Faux-Jewel Cabochons: An elaborate, high-arched overhead handle is decorated with painted faux-agate or red/orange cabochons in relief.
• Component Breakdown:

1. Inkwell Lid: Heavily molded lid decorated with raised enamel “jewels” in turquoise, coral red, and amber-pink cabochons surrounded by gilt scrollwork.
2. Ink Pot Insert: A removable porcelain ink reservoir underneath the jeweled lid.
3. Pounce Pot / Sander: The matching insert with a perforated, gilded dish top used to sprinkle sand or pounce onto wet ink to absorb moisture and speed drying time.
4. Pen Trough Base: The contoured, tray-like surface with scrolled edges designed to hold dip pens or nibs.