Inkstand with Porcelain Picture

This brass desk set is an example of Victorian Rococo Revival metalwork, dating to the late 19th century (circa 1880–1895).

Physical Description

• The Stand: The heavy brass stand features elaborate openwork scrollwork.
• The Inkwell: A central, square clear glass inkwell sits within the brass frame. It is topped with a heavy, hinged brass lid.
• The Porcelain Plaque: The most distinctive feature is the hand-painted porcelain miniature set into a circular brass frame above the inkwell. This plaque depicts a romantic scene of a couple in a garden setting, a popular motif in the “Romantic Era” style influenced by painters like Fragonard and Boucher.

Origin and Maker

• Origin: This style of brass was a specialty of Parisian workshops in France. These were highly sought-after luxury goods for the international market, particularly during the Napoleon III period.
• The Maker: As with most of these decorative brass stands, it is unmarked, as these inkstands were produced by smaller foundries that specialized in cast metalware for retail stationery shops.
• Age: Based on the construction and the romantic subject matter of the porcelain, the piece was manufactured circa 1880–1900.