Cat Underfoot

This figural inkwell is designed to resemble a miniature writing table or a small chest of drawers decorated with a jewelry box. A charming, cold-painted cat crouches underneath, positioned between the four curving cabriole legs decorated with floral designs. The entire assembly is mounted on an onyx base.

Materials and Style

• Cold-Painted Metal: The piece is made of a cast spelter metal which is then painted by hand with a polychrome (multi-colored) finish after the casting has cooled. This technique was popular for producing detailed and colorful decorative objects at a lower cost than solid bronze sculpture.
• Rococo Style: The inkwell’s design is heavily influenced by the Rococo style of the 18th century, with its emphasis on elegant, curved lines, asymmetrical forms, and motifs from nature like flowers and animals. The cabriole legs and the decorative scrollwork are classic Rococo elements.
• Onyx Base: The use of an onyx base adds to the piece’s decorative quality and gives it a substantial feel. Onyx was a popular choice for high-end Victorian and Edwardian decorative objects.

Estimated Age

This type of cold-painted metalwork, often drawing inspiration from historical styles like Rococo, was popular in Austria and Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw a rise in mass-produced, yet highly detailed, decorative items.