Henriot Quimper Inkwell

This hand-painted inkwell made of earthenware is marked “Henriot Quimper France.” It exhibits the characteristic style of Quimper pottery, known for its folk-art motifs and vibrant colors. The inkwell is composed of three separate pieces: the base, the ink pot, and the lid.

Detailed Description:

• Material: Earthenware (faience).
• Form:
  • Base: The base has a unique, almost castle-like shape with crenellated (notched) edges around the top. It flares out slightly at the bottom for stability.
  • Ink Pot: The ink pot sits inside the base and is a simple cylindrical shape.
  • Lid: The lid is domed with a small, spherical knob on top.
• Decoration:
  • Hand-Painted Motifs: The inkwell is decorated with hand-painted motifs, typical of Quimper pottery.
  • Breton Figures: One side of the base features a stylized depiction of a Breton figure, a man who’s possibly fishing.
  • Geometric Patterns: Another side of the base is decorated with a geometric pattern resembling a net or lattice.
  • Floral Motifs: Small floral motifs are present on the lid and the top of the base.
  • Color Palette: The inkwell features a vibrant color palette, including blue, yellow, orange, green, and red, all painted on a cream or off-white background.
  • Bold Outlines: The motifs are outlined in bold black lines, adding to their rustic and folk-art aesthetic.