Children Perusing a Book

This is a finely detailed porcelain inkstand, produced by the Conta & Boehme manufactory in Thuringia, Germany, dating back to the 19th century.

Key Features:

• Material: Crafted from high-quality porcelain, exhibiting a smooth, white body.
• Decoration:
  • Figural Group: The central and most prominent feature is a figural group depicting two children, a boy and a girl. They are seated together, attentively looking at a large, open book placed between them.
  • Hand-Painted Details: The figures and the book are meticulously hand-painted with lifelike details, showcasing the skill of the porcelain artist. The children’s clothing, facial expressions, and the book’s pages are rendered with precision.
  • Gilt Accents: Gilt (gold) accents are used to highlight decorative elements. This includes borders, outlines, and highlights on the figures and the book.
• Form:
  • Rectangular Base/Container: The inkstand features a rectangular base that also serves as a container. It has a removable top or cover.
  • Hidden Inkwells and Pounce Pot: Beneath the removable top, one finds an inkwell and a pounce pot (sander). These are held in place by attached openings within the base.
  • Embossed Faces: The attached openings that hold the inkwell and pounce pot are decorated with embossed faces.
• Style: The overall style of the inkstand reflects the romantic and sentimental themes popular during the 19th century. The depiction of children and the emphasis on detail are characteristic of this period.