Inkipedia
Cloisonné and Gilded Bronze Inkstand (Napoleon III Period)
| Categories | Enameled Metal |
| Type | Cloisonné |
| Material | Enameled Brass/Bronze/Metal |
| Markings | Unmarked |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | France |
| Date or Era | circa 1870 |
| Measuring | 6 ⅝” diameter; 4” high |
This inkstand is a single, ornate piece designed to showcase both meticulous metalwork and colorful enamel decoration, typical of high-end French decorative arts from the mid-19th century.
- Description of the Inkstand
- Structure: The piece is a single inkstand (or encrier). It features a gilded bronze base with a raised, hinged lid for the central inkwell.
- Main Decoration (Cloisonné): The exterior surfaces of the inkwell body and the lid are adorned with vibrant cloisonné enamel. The colors appear rich and jewel-toned, including blues, reds, and creams, set against the metalwork.
- Style (Friezes): The enamel features stylized friezes (bands of repeated decoration). These patterns appear geometric and formal, incorporating classical motifs.
- Gilded Bronze: The structural elements, the base, the hinge, and the raised borders are made of bronze and covered in a bright gold plating (gilding).
- Inkwell: The inkwell fits into the bronze housing. It is engraved with small flowers.
- Key Terms
| Term | Definition and Context |
| Cloisonné Enamel | A decorative technique where small strips of wire (often gold or bronze), called cloisons, are soldered edgewise onto a metal base to create compartments (cloisons). These compartments are then filled with colored enamel paste and fired, resulting in a smooth, hard, glass-like, and highly colorful surface. |
| Gilded Bronze | Bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) that has been covered with a layer of gold. This was often done using the ormolu technique (fire-gilding) or, later, electroplating. It adds durability, luxury, and corrosion resistance. |
| Stylized Friezes | A frieze is a broad, horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration. Stylized means the decorative motifs (like flowers or leaves) are rendered in a non-realistic, geometric, or highly conventionalized way, rather than appearing naturalistic. |
| “Barbedienne Quality” | Refers to the renowned French foundry and decorative arts firm Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810–1892). The term means the piece is of a very high standard of craftsmanship and finish, consistent with the luxury goods produced by the Barbedienne workshops, though it doesn’t necessarily mean Barbedienne made the piece itself. |
| Napoleon III Period | Refers to the period of the Second French Empire (1852–1870) under Emperor Napoleon III. This era was characterized by the lavish production of decorative arts, marked by eclecticism—mixing and reviving styles like Rococo, Renaissance, and exotic Eastern influences, which perfectly describes this ornate piece. |
| Engraved Crystal | The interior inkwell is made of high-quality lead crystal (or thick glass) that has had patterns cut into its surface, typically done by a rotating wheel. |
Sold for $400 in October 2025
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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