French Rococo Porcelain Greyhound Double Inkstand

Description

• The Sculpture: Atop the tiered inkstand rests a recumbent fawn-colored greyhound or whippet wearing a red collar. The hound is positioned on a teal cushion dotted with raised gilt floral motifs.
• The Inkpots: The stand features two matching removable inkwells complete with matching domed, heavily gilded, and textured berry or floral knob lids. There is a quill / pen hole between the inkwells.
• The Base & Palette: The scrolling, lobed Rococo base features a deep raspberry-pink textured ground (often associated with rose pompadour) accented by delicate gilt scrollwork. The rear pen trough displays a hand-painted floral cartouche featuring vibrant pink roses and foliage.

Maker & Date

• Origin & Period: Produced in France during the mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1850–1880), during the height of the Second Empire and the revival of 18th-century soft-paste aesthetics.
• Manufacturer: While many French porcelain pieces of this quality from the period were produced by major houses such as Paris (Jacob Petit), Sèvres (or decorative studios decorating blank hard-paste porcelain), or regional Limoges and Samson factories imitating earlier styles, unmarked pieces of this elaborate Rococo desk form are typically attributed to Parisian porcelain manufactories specializing in luxury desk accessories.