French Art Nouveau Crystal and Gilt-Brass Inkwell

This exquisite French Art Nouveau inkwell features a heavy cut-glass square inkwell held in an ornate gilt-brass mount.

Design Elements

• The Lid & Collar: The hinged dome lid displays a classic Art Nouveau casting of a serene female visage (often a depiction of La Douceur or a stylized nature spirit) framed by cascading, flowing hair and delicate blossoms. The collar and rim of the mount are decorated with fine, low relief foliate and scroll chasing.
• The Mount & Feet: The base sits within a pierced gilt-brass framework featuring stylized ginkgo leaves curling outward to form the graceful corner feet.
• The Inkwell: A thick, heavy, faceted glass block.

Estimated Age

This piece dates to the height of the Art Nouveau period, specifically c. 1895–1910. The combination of the ethereal female mask (moulage), organic ginkgo motifs, and fire-gilt brass or ormolu housing over heavy crystal is characteristic of fine French desk accessories produced in Paris during the Belle Époque.