Mid-19th Century Jacob Petit Figural Porcelain Inkstand

This detailed inkstand is the work of the renowned French porcelain manufacturer Jacob Petit, created during the mid-19^th century (circa 1830s–1860s) in Paris, France.

Details & Attribution

• Maker: Jacob Petit (born Jacob Mardochée, active in Paris). Petit initially worked as a painter at Sèvres before establishing his own porcelain manufacturing enterprise around 1830 (first operating in Fontainebleau and later opening a factory in Paris at Rue de Paradis). He became famous during the Louis-Philippe and Second Empire periods for his highly imaginative, exuberantly sculpted, and vibrantly colored porcelain pieces.
• Where It Was Made: Paris, France.
• When It Was Made: Mid-19^th century (circa 1830–1860). The blue underglaze “JP” mark on the underside is the signature hallmark used by Jacob Petit during his active manufacturing period.
• Dimensions: Approximately 9 inches across and 9 inches high.

Mid-19th Century Jacob Petit Polychrome and Gilt Porcelain Figural Inkstand

Paris, France, circa 1830–1860

Description:

A whimsical mid-19^th century French porcelain double inkstand designed by Jacob Petit, bearing the underglaze blue “JP” mark on the underside. Measuring approximately 9 inches wide and 9 inches high, the Rococo revival base features a scalloped, serpentine silhouette raised on four ornate scroll-molded feet accented with hand-applied gilding.

The front body of the tray is decorated with delicate, hand-painted polychrome floral sprays and scattered sprigs against a crisp white ground, with two pen holes. The inkstand holds two removable porcelain wells—one configured as an inkpot and the other as a sander fitted with a perforated shaker lid—each complete with its original matching removable lid with scrolled, gilt-trimmed handles.

Surmounting the central pedestal between the ink vessels is a dynamic, finely modeled figural group depicting two young boys caught in a scuffle. One boy, dressed in a green patterned frock coat with pink striped trousers, stands poised with a raised fist, while his buddy, wearing a white shirt and patterned cap, reaches up defensively. Colored with vibrant hand-painted enamels and heightened throughout with intricate gilding, this piece exemplifies Jacob Petit’s signature mastery of theatrical design, sculptural movement, and exuberant palette.