Baccarat’s “Moulure Russe” Inkwell

This crystal inkwell is a classic example of Baccarat’s “Moulure Russe” (Russian Mold) pattern, a celebrated pressed-glass design originally introduced by the French crystal house in the late 19th century (typically debuting around the late 1870s to 1880s and remaining highly popular through the early 1900s). Based on its styling and manufacturing characteristics, this piece dates to circa 1890–1910.

Description

• The Crystal Body:
  • The inkwell features a heavy, solid square form.
  • The “Moulure Russe” pattern covers the four vertical faces with deep, reflective molded scrollwork, featuring stylized swirling wave-like or concentric spiral volutes.
  • The top shoulders and base are finished with structured, deep fluting or block-cut detailing that frame the intricate central scroll pattern, catching and refracting the light brilliantly.
  • The underside of the base shows a polished, multi-pointed starburst or sunburst pattern common to premium Baccarat vanity and desk pieces.
• The Brass Mountings & Lid:
  • The inkwell is fitted with a substantial, heavy-gauge brass hinged collar and domed lid.
  • The cap features an elegant, tightly swirled or gadrooned/coiled motif resembling a coiled turban or shell, matching the fluid movement of the glass pattern below.

Approximate Age

This specific inkwell dates to circa 1890–1910.

During this era, Baccarat did not use the acid-etched circular logo on molded or pressed glass that they implemented systematically after 1936. Instead, pieces from the “Moulure Russe” and “Bambous” lines were typically issued with paper labels that washed off over time, or they subtly integrated a raised, molded signature reading “BACCARAT DEPOSE” within the pattern work or on the inside base.