Chinese Porcelain Inkstand

This Chinese porcelain inkstand is a nice example of “famille rose” enamels. It features a rectangular base with a bronze frame and two bronze pen holders. The surface of the base is adorned with intricate floral patterns in blue, red, and white, with a central panel depicting a branch with flowers in various colors, including pink, blue, and yellow. The inkwell, which sits on top of the base, is square-shaped with similar floral designs and a bronze lid.

“Famille rose” refers to a specific style of Chinese porcelain that features a palette dominated by pink and rose colors. The term “famille” is French for “family,” and in this context, it refers to the family of colors used in the enamels. These enamels are applied over the glaze and then fired at a lower temperature to create vibrant, detailed designs.

The famille rose technique became popular during the Qing Dynasty, particularly in the 18th century. The colors are created using a combination of opaque white enamel and various pigments, resulting in a wide range of soft, pastel hues.