Bronze Ormolu Inkstand

This is an elaborate bronze ormolu inkstand, distinguished by its Rococo-inspired design.

• Material: The piece is made of bronze with an “ormolu” finish. Ormolu (from French “or moulu,” meaning “ground gold”) refers to a technique of gilding bronze objects with a high-carat gold-mercury amalgam, which was then fired to leave a rich, matte gold surface. This gives the inkstand a luxurious, radiant appearance.
• Form and Structure: It’s a broad, rectangular desk piece with a highly sculptural and organic form, designed to hold writing implements and supplies.
• Key Components:
  • Central Tray: The main body forms a shallow tray, likely for pens or other small desk items. Its surface is not flat but undulates with intricate scrollwork and floral motifs.
  • Inkwell and Sander: At either end of the tray are two lidded containers.
    • The left lid covers a sander (pounce pot). In pre-blotting paper days, sanders were used to sprinkle fine powder (often sand or pounce) over fresh ink to dry it quickly and prevent smudging. The lid is perforated, allowing the sand to be shaken out.
    • The right lid covers the inkwell, which holds a glass insert for the ink.
  • Lids: Both lids are ornate and domed, topped with elaborate finials that mirror the overall decorative style.
• Decoration: The inkstand is characterized by a profusion of highly detailed, three-dimensional ornamentation. This includes:
  • Rococo Motifs: Swirling C-scrolls and S-scrolls, asymmetric curves, volutes, and shell-like (rocaille) forms dominate the design.
  • Naturalistic Elements: Floral garlands, acanthus leaves, and other organic motifs are intricately intertwined throughout the piece, particularly along the edges and within the central section.
  • Central Crest/Cartouche: In the center, towards the back, there’s a prominent, highly sculptural element that resembles a crest or cartouche, serving as a decorative focal point.