Floral Encrusted Porcelain Inkstand with Bees

Description

This lavishly detailed 19^th century encrier (inkstand) is a quintessential example of high-Victorian Rococo revival decorative arts, taking the form of an overflowing floral basket or garden bouquet.

• The Body and Base: The inkstand is modeled on an asymmetrical, multi-pointed leaf or shell-form undulating base glazed in a soft, medium-celadon or apple green, supported underneath by an organic, twig-and-branch-form openwork foot highlighted in brownish-ochre and gilt.
• The Floral Encrustation (Fleurs en Relief): The entire upper surface is densely encrusted with a breathtaking profusion of meticulously sculpted, hand-applied polychrome flowers in high relief. The botanical assortment includes full-blown pink roses, multi-petaled chrysanthemums, delicate morning glories in shades of vibrant blue and purple, tulips, and dense clusters of small field and blossom flowers.
• The Inkwells and Insects: Nestled seamlessly amidst the vibrant floral thicket are two cylindrical inkwell inserts, concealed and integrated beneath flower-form lids (one styled as a large dahlia/chrysanthemum and the other as a pink rose). Each inkwell cover is topped by a hand-modeled, life-like bee or insect with delicately veined wings poised for flight. A central vertical cluster of blossoming branches rises like a handle or central bouquet feature through the middle of the piece.

Understanding the Mark

The mark on the underside (visible as a faint blue signature beneath the green glaze) consists of a crossed-batons or crossed-swords motif accompanied by dots. It is a signature of Jacob Petit.

During the mid-19th century, French Paris porcelain manufacturers frequently borrowed, adapted, or playfully emulated historical marks—such as Meissen’s famous crossed swords—as a nod of supreme craftsmanship to 18th-century prototypes. Jacob Petit was heavily inspired by Saxon/Meissen aesthetics (notably pioneering his own extravagant versions of Schneeballen and floral-encrusted wares), and he frequently marked his luxury decorative pieces with underglaze blue pseudo-marks alongside or interlinked with his signature “J.P.” initials.

Who Made It and When?

• Maker: Jacob Petit (born Jacob Mordecai, 1796–1868), one of the most celebrated, imaginative, and flamboyant Parisian porcelain makers of the 19th century. Petit originally studied painting under Antoine-Jean Gros, traveled extensively across Europe studying various industrial arts, and established his renowned Paris and Fontainebleau-area workshops around 1830–1831. He won acclaim at successive French Industrial Exhibitions for his intensely chromatic, highly sculptural, and eclectic luxury objects.
• Date of Manufacture: Circa 1835–1855 (Second Quarter to Mid-19th Century), during the height of Petit’s prolific production period for high-end decorative porcelain, fancy inkstands, and novelty scent bottles.