French Porcelain Inkwell

Two examples are pictured:

Description of example #1:

This porcelain inkwell, with an off-white primary color, is highlighted with gilt gold trim on its edges.

• Overall Form and Decoration: The inkwell sits on a saucer-like base. The surface of the base is decorated with garlands of flowers painted in delicate colors (pinks, blues, greens, yellows) interspersed with green foliage. These garlands are arranged symmetrically, creating an abundant floral motif that circles the base.
• Central Inkwell: Rising from the center of the base is the inkwell, which features elegant molding and gilt trim around its rim and base. The inkwell is topped with a fitted, hinged lid with finial.

Description of example #2:

• Porcelain: The piece features a fine white ground decorated in the Marie Antoinette or Louis XVI Revival style, which was immensely popular during the Belle Époque. The hand-painted decoration consists of delicate pink rose swags (garlands) suspended by blue silk ribbons and bows.
• Gilt Accents: The porcelain is further embellished with gold stippling (raised dots) and gilded bands.
• Mounts: The inkwell is fitted with high-quality gilt metal (ormolu or gilt bronze) mounts. This includes a hinged lid with a decorative finial and a circular tray featuring ornate, rococo-style scrolled handles.
• Interior: It has its original removable porcelain ink liner.

The “Josephine” Mark

The mark on the base  – a spread eagle over the name “Josephine” – provides the following historical context:

• The Manufacturer: This specific mark was a trademark used by A. Lantenier & Cie of Limoges. While Lantenier often used an anchor mark for their standard porcelain blanks, the “Josephine” and eagle mark was reserved for their “Empress Josephine” line.
• Empire Revival: The spread eagle is the Imperial Eagle, a primary symbol of Napoleon I and the French Empire. In the late 1800s, there was a resurgence of interest in Napoleonic history and the elegance of Empress Josephine’s court. By branding this line with her name and the Imperial eagle, Lantenier was marketing the piece as a high-status item that captured the “grandeur” of the First Empire.
• Trade Connection: In some instances, this mark was used in coordination with large American importers like Geo. Borgfeldt & Co., who specialized in bringing high-end French porcelain to the U.S. market during the Gilded Age.

Summary of Origin

• Where: Limoges, France.
• When: Late Victorian / Edwardian era (c. 1890–1910).
• Significance: It represents a fusion of two popular French styles—the floral softness of the 18th-century Petit Trianon (Marie Antoinette) and the bold symbolic power of the 19th-century Empire (Josephine).