Bronze Inkstand with Porcelain Pen Tray

This bronze French inkstand featuring a hand-painted porcelain pen tray, has an elegant, ornate design. The main body of the stand is an oval-shaped tray, supported by four claw-shaped feet. On either end of the oval tray, there are ring-shaped handles. Rising from the center of the stand is an upright, conical-shaped inkwell, also made of bronze. This inkwell has a hinged lid and is supported by two ornate bracket arms that extend upwards from the main tray.

The most prominent decorative element is the porcelain pen tray, which is set into the oval bronze base. This tray is hand-painted with a central motif of two cherubs. The cherubs are depicted in a classical or Rococo style, with plump, rosy bodies, curly hair, and small wings, suggesting they are putti or cupid-like figures. They are surrounded by elements of nature, specifically grapes and foliage.