Brass “Green Man” Inkwell

This inkwell is an example of French Neo-Renaissance (also known as “Henri II Style”) decorative art from the mid-to-late 19th century.

Description

• Form: The inkwell has a square, stepped profile with a flaring base supported by four broad, footed corners.
• Material: It is made from cast brass (also referred to as “yellow bronze”). It is missing an insert.
• Decoration: Every surface is heavily chased with Renaissance motifs, including scrolling acanthus leaves, beading, and floral garlands.
• The Lid: The square, hinged lid is topped with a heavy, tiered urn finial. The lid itself is embossed with further floral scrollwork and a small central mask.
• Construction: The underside shows a heavy circular nut and central threaded bolt, characteristic of 19th-century foundry assembly.

The Depicted Face

The bold faces on all four sides of the inkwell depict The Green Man or a Foliate Mask.

• This is a classical mythological figure representing rebirth and the cycle of growth.
• The face is characterized by high, arched brows, a prominent mustache and beard that transform into scrolling leaves, and a large shell or leaf-like headdress.
• In 19th-century French design, these masks were often referred to as “Mascarons” and were a signature element of the Neo-Renaissance revival.

Origin and Identification

• Manufacturer: While this specific specimen is unmarked, this model was a flagship design for the Parisian firm Ferdinand Barbedienne or Tahan.
• Where Made: Paris, France. These heavy, “Artistic Bronze” office accessories were the specialty of the Parisian Bronziers.
• When Made: Produced circa 1860–1880 during the Second Empire period.