French Porcelain Inkstand

This is a French porcelain inkstand, dating from the late 19th century, featuring two covered inkwells and delicate floral decorations. The inkstand has an elongated, irregularly shaped tray with a wavy edge outlined in gilding. The tray is primarily white porcelain, serving as a canvas for colorful decorations.

Two individual inkwells are positioned on the tray. They are also made of white porcelain and have a bulbous form. Each inkwell has a matching domed lid topped with a small, gilded finial. A decorative blue ribbon motif, likely transfer-printed, encircles the body of each inkwell.

The main decoration of the inkstand consists of clusters of colorful roses in various shades of pink, red, and yellow, interspersed with green leaves and smaller blue and purple flowers. These floral bouquets are arranged across the tray and on the sides of the inkwells, often intertwined with the painted or printed blue ribbon design, which appears to swirl across the surface. The overall style is delicate and feminine, typical of porcelain decoration from the late 19th century, reflecting a taste for romantic and naturalistic motifs. The gilding on the edges and finials adds a touch of elegance to the piece. The floral decorations appear to be a combination of hand-painted details over a transfer print.

We believe the intertwined “L’s” with the enclosed “S” mark is for Sevres porcelain.