French Porcelain Inkstand

This French porcelain inkstand is an opulent example of Neo-Rococo “Sèvres Style” desk ware, likely produced in Paris during the mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1860–1880).

Description

• The Stand: The piece features a scrolling, asymmetrical porcelain base with a high, shell-like backplate (reredos). It is decorated with a vibrant rose-pink (Rose Pompadour) background and extensive hand-applied gilding.
• The Scene: The central backplate features a romantic scene of two cherubs (putti) in a pastoral landscape. One cherub appears to be tending to a small birdcage while the other looks on.
• The Inkwell: A single, circular inkwell is mounted at the front, featuring a heavy brass rim and a hinged metal lid. The lid is elaborately decorated with Champlevé enamel in shades of navy blue, red, and turquoise, and is topped with a foliate brass finial.
• The Underside: The piece rests on three integrated, gilded scrolling feet. The bottom shows a recessed well for the inkpot and a circular, unglazed area typical of 19th-century French hard-paste porcelain.

Hand-Painted vs. Transfer

The cherub scene on this inkstand is hand-painted.

• Evidence of Handwork: Close-up images reveal the delicate, varied brushstrokes used to define the cherubs’ hair and the soft, atmospheric blending of the sky and foliage.
• Detailing: In a transfer, you would often see a fine “dot” pattern (ben-day dots) or perfectly uniform lines under magnification; here, the colors have a natural transparency and thickness that only comes from hand-applied pigments.
• Significance: High-quality French porcelain of this era was frequently hand-decorated by specialized “peintres-décorateurs” in Parisian studios to add value for luxury retailers.

Origin and Estimated Age

• Origin: France. The form and the specific combination of the rose-pink and Champlevé enamel are characteristics of “Vieux Paris” (Old Paris) porcelain.
• Age: Circa 1860–1880. This style flourished during the Second Empire under Napoleon III, when there was a massive revival of 18th-century Rococo tastes.

Additional Information

• The “Sèvres” Influence: While not made at the Royal Sèvres factory, this piece was intended to emulate their famous 18th-century designs. It was likely made by one of the premier private Parisian factories such as Edmé Samson or Jacob Petit, who were masters of the Neo-Rococo style.
• Dual-Metal Construction: The use of Champlevé enamel on the lid is a high-end touch. This technique involved carving cells into the metal and filling them with powdered glass, which was then fired at high temperatures.
• Missing Liner: The inkwell is missing its insert.