Gilded Brass and Porcelain Inkstand

Description of the Inkstand

• Materials: The base and lid are crafted from gilded brass, likely ormolu—a finely cast and gilded bronze used extensively in 18th–19th century European decorative arts.
• Porcelain Body: The central vessel is made of vibrantly enameled porcelain, with a turquoise glaze and richly painted panels.
• Lid & Finial: The hinged lid is topped with a sculpted bird finial, possibly a dove or songbird, rendered in gold-colored metal. The lid opens to reveal the inkwell compartment, though the insert is missing.
• Base: The pedestal base is fluted and decorated with additional enamel panels, anchoring the piece with visual weight and elegance.

Hand-Painted Imagery

The inkstand is adorned with a delightful mix of landscape and decorative motifs, including:

• Pastoral water settings, framed by trees and distant hills.
• Floral garlands and geometric medallions, rendered in red, blue, and gold.
• Sunset skies with pink and orange hues, adding warmth and depth to the scenes.
• Bird motifs on blue panels, echoing the finial and reinforcing the natural theme.