French Champlevé Inkstand

French Champlevé Inkstand

• Materials: The inkstand is a composite piece, crafted from a combination of materials. The base is a slab of onyx. Mounted on this base is a cast bronze framework, which is then decorated with champlevé enamel. The inkwell itself is a separate, hinged bronze and enamel piece.
• Features:
  • Bronze and Enamel Work: The inkstand is dominated by the intricate champlevé enamel work. The bronze is cast in a scroll and floral pattern, with a central space for the inkwell. The enamel fills the recessed areas, creating a vibrant contrast against the bronze. The colors are primarily a rich blue, with accents of red, green, and white.
  • Inkwell: The inkwell is a separate, lidded piece that sits in the center of the stand. The lid is hinged and decorated with the same champlevé enamel pattern as the base.
  • Pen Holder: The inkstand is designed with a curved pen holder that extends from the central frame, providing a resting place for a dip pen.

How Champlevé Enamel is Made

The term champlevé is French for “raised field” or “raised ground,” and it describes a specific enameling technique. Here is a simplified explanation of the process:

1. Preparation of the Metal Base: An artisan takes a bronze or copper plate and engraves or etches a design into it, creating recesses or “pits” in the metal. The raised lines of the metal form the outlines of the design.
2. Application of Enamel: The artisan then fills these recessed areas with a glass-like paste called enamel. The paste is made from finely ground glass mixed with a flux and coloring oxides.
3. Firing: The piece is placed in a high-temperature kiln. The heat melts the enamel powder, causing it to flow and fill the recesses. The firing process also bonds the enamel to the metal.
4. Finishing: After cooling, the piece is carefully ground and polished. The grinding removes any excess enamel from the surface and brings the raised metal portions and the filled enamel to the same level, creating a smooth, flat surface. The piece is then polished to a high sheen, revealing the distinct contrast between the polished metal and the vibrant, colored enamel.