French Ormolu Double Inkstand

Description:

• Material and Finish: The dominant material is ormolu, which is a type of gilded bronze. This gives the inkstand a rich, bright gold finish that is characteristic of high-quality French decorative arts, especially from the 18th and 19th centuries. The metalwork is highly sculptural and intricate.
• Overall Form and Style: The inkstand has a rectangular, undulating shape with highly elaborate, openwork metal borders. The style is decorative, indicative of Rococo influences, with its emphasis on scrolling forms, and naturalistic elements.
  • Central Porcelain Pen Tray: It has a central, rectangular porcelain pen tray that is set within a conforming ormolu frame. The porcelain itself is a creamy or off-white color and is hand-painted with delicate floral motifs. These flowers appear in shades of pink, blue, red, and yellow, with green leaves, arranged in small, naturalistic clusters.
  • Double Inkwell Sections: Flanking the central porcelain pen tray, on either side, are two raised, circular inkwells. Each inkwell area is topped with a circular ormolu lid, decorated with relief patterns design. The finials or knobs on these lids are also elaborate, stylized fleur-de-lis.