Glass Inkstand with Silver and Guilloche Enamel

The inkstand features a square form crystal base. The crystal is etched with delicate floral and geometric motifs, visible beneath the silver framework. The base rests on four ornate scroll feet, also made of silver and etched with floral details. The edge of the crystal base is bordered by gilded silver, which contrasts to the guilloche enamel. Guilloche is a decorative technique where enamel is applied over a precisely engraved repeating pattern (often engine-turned), creating a shimmering, translucent effect. The cranberry color is a deep red.

The central inkwell is bulbous in shape and features panels of cranberry guilloche enamel. This enamel is overlaid with exquisitely detailed silver garlands of flowers and leaves. The inkwell has a hinged lid, topped with a beautifully rendered floral finial in silver.

The inkwell is engraved “Dreyfous Paris, London, New York”, the retailer of this item. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was common for high-end retailers to have their names engraved on the luxury goods they sold.

Information about Dreyfous:

Dreyfous was a well-known retailer of luxury goods with locations in major international cities like Paris, London, and New York. Such retailers often commissioned or sourced high-quality items from various skilled artisans and workshops, then sold them under their own branding or with their imprint. The presence of their name suggests they catered to an affluent clientele who sought out fine and fashionable goods.