Conta Boehme Courtiers Inkstand

This Conta Boehme porcelain inkstand features a scene with two elegantly dressed women and a man, courtiers in a leisurely setting. The figures are seated and socially engaged.

The man, seated to the left, is attired in a teal coat, striped breeches, and a yellow and white sash. He holds an open book in his hands, reading the women. The woman seated to the right is wearing a pink and white patterned gown with a blue underskirt and gold trim. She holds a small object in her hands. The second woman, positioned behind the first, is wearing a lilac gown with gold detailing. She leans slightly forward, focused on the conversation. All three courtiers have powdered white hair, a common fashion among European aristocracy during the 18th century.

The scene is set upon a base that is painted to resemble a textured ground with mottled browns, greens, and hints of other earthy tones.. The entire piece is hand-painted with delicate brushstrokes, bringing the details of the costumes, expressions, and setting to life. Gold accents are used to highlight the trim on the clothing and other decorative elements.

The top section of the inkstand, where the figures are placed, lifts to reveal fitted recesses designed to hold an inkwell and a sander (missing here). These face pots are distinctive holders molded with the face of a mustachioed man, a characteristic feature often seen in Conta Boehme porcelain pieces.

Conta Boehme Porcelain Company:

The Conta & Boehme porcelain factory was a significant German porcelain manufacturer located in Pössneck, Thuringia.

Foundation and Early History: The company was founded in 1790 by Carl Christoph Conta and Johann Samuel Boehme. It quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality porcelain.

• Specialization: Conta & Boehme became renowned for its luxury figurines with intricate hand-painted details and whimsical designs. They also produced a variety of other items, including tableware, decorative objects, and, as seen here, inkstands.
• Distinctive Style: Their pieces are often characterized by:
  • Figural Groups: Depicting scenes from everyday life, mythology, allegories, and courtly life, often with multiple figures interacting.
  • High-Quality Porcelain: Known for a smooth, white body.
  • Intricate Hand-Painting: Featuring detailed rendering of costumes, faces, and settings with vibrant colors and delicate brushwork.
  • Gilding: Frequent use of gold accents to enhance the richness of the designs.
  • Recurring Motifs: The mustachioed man’s face is a recognizable and somewhat enigmatic motif found on various Conta Boehme items. The exact significance of this face isn’t clear but serves as a distinctive maker’s mark or decorative element.
• Period of Production: The company was active throughout the 19th and into the early 20th century. Pieces are often dated based on stylistic elements and any factory marks present (though not all pieces are marked).