French Champlevé Enamel and Porcelain Stationery Stand (Écritoire)

This piece combines the utility of an inkwell with a letter rack (porte-lettres) and a fine art miniature.

Here is a detailed breakdown of its features:

1. The Hand-Painted Porcelain Plaque

• Subject: The centerpiece is a large porcelain tray painted with a romantic scene featuring a cherub (or putto) reclining in a garden. The cherub is depicted reaching out to white doves, a classic allegory for “Love and Peace”.
• Signature: The piece is signed “Collot”.
  • Artist Note: “Collot” was a known French porcelain painter active in the late 19th century. His signature is frequently found on high-quality Sèvres-style porcelain boxes and desk accessories featuring romantic, Rococo-style scenes.

2. The Champlevé Enamel Work

• Technique: This uses the Champlevé technique, where the metal is hollowed out and filled with enamel.
• Palette: The color scheme features a deep oxblood red background with scrolling foliage in lapis blue, turquoise, and cream/yellow.
• Design: The enamel work frames the entire piece, including the scalloped base, the two inkwell pots, and the tiered letter rack in the back.

3. Structural Components

• Letter Rack: Unlike a standard flat inkstand, this piece features a two-tiered letter rack in the center. This was designed to hold stationery cards, envelopes, or received invitations.
• Inkwells: The set includes two matching urn-shaped inkwells with hinged lids.
• Pen Holder: There are two upright hooks (brackets) mounted directly onto the porcelain tray. These are designed to hold a dip pen horizontally, displaying it across the artwork.

4. Condition and Quality

• Metalwork: The base metal is bronze or brass. The underside shows the construction screws and the original “rough” finish of the cast metal, which is consistent with authentic antique production.
• Completeness: It is rare to find these “stationery stand” combinations with the delicate porcelain tray intact, as they were prone to cracking from the pressure of the pen holder.