French Champlevé Inkstand

This French Champlevé inkstand is a beautiful example of the enamel-on-bronze technique. The inkstand has an asymmetrical, organic form typical of the Art Nouveau period, with flowing lines and decorative curves.

The base of the inkstand is made of bronze, and its surface is largely covered with vibrant enamelwork. The enamel designs are complex and colorful, featuring stylized floral and abstract motifs in shades of blue, turquoise, white, red, and dark blue. These enamel fields are separated by raised bronze lines, which define the cells or champs where the enamel has been applied.

On the left side of the inkstand sits the inkwell. It has a rounded form, also made of bronze and decorated with matching Champlevé enamel. The lid of the inkwell is hinged and features a similar intricate enamel design.

To the right of the inkwell, the bronze base expands into a wider area that serves as a pen tray. This section is also richly adorned with Champlevé enamel, continuing the flowing patterns and color palette seen on the inkwell and the rest of the base. The edges of the bronze are shaped with curves and pierced with decorative openings.

How Champlevé Enamel is Made:

Champlevé (French for “raised fields”) is an enameling technique in which troughs or cells (champs) are carved, etched, die struck, or cast into the surface of a metal object, usually bronze or copper. The process involves the following steps:

1. Metalwork Preparation: The design is first created on the metal surface. Then, using tools or chemical etching, areas are hollowed out to create the champs or cells. The raised metal lines surrounding these cells will form part of the final design, acting as boundaries for the enamel and often creating a linear outline.
2. Enamel Application: Powdered glass, mixed with water or oil to form a paste, is carefully packed into these recessed cells. Different colors of enamel powder are used to fill the various sections of the design.
3. Firing: The enameled piece is then fired in a kiln at a high temperature (typically between 800 and 900 °C). During firing, the powdered glass melts and fuses to the metal within the cells.
4. Cooling and Finishing: After firing, the piece is allowed to cool slowly. The surface of the enamel is often uneven or may have shrunk during firing. Therefore, it undergoes several finishing processes:
   • Lissage (Smoothing): The enamel surface is ground down and polished to create a smooth and even finish, flush with the raised metal lines.
   • Gilding (Optional): Sometimes, the exposed bronze areas are gilded (covered with a thin layer of gold) to enhance the richness and contrast of the piece.

The Champlevé technique allows for intricate and durable enamel designs with clear definition created by the raised metal outlines. The vibrant colors and the contrast between the enamel and the metal are characteristic of this beautiful art form, which was particularly popular during the Art Nouveau era in France.