Limoges Inkwell with Bee Design

Pictured are two similar inkwells marked Limoges. Based on the bottom marks and the “bee design” motif (a symbol famously associated with Napoleon Bonaparte), these two inkwells come from different production eras and manufacturers.

Inkwell 1 (1^st Set of Pictures)

Its mark features a crown, shield, and banner with the word “LIMOGES” above and “MADE IN FRANCE” below.

• Manufacturer: This is the mark of Coronet Limoges, which was a decorating brand for the American importing firm George Borgfeldt & Co.
• Age: Circa 1921–1939.
  • The “MADE IN” Clue: The use of the full phrase “MADE IN FRANCE” in block letters (rather than just “France”) specifically indicates the piece was produced after 1921. This change was mandated by amendments to the U.S. McKinley Tariff Act for imported goods.
  • Context: Borgfeldt’s Limoges studio was highly active during the 1920s and 1930s, specializing in high-quality hand-painted pieces for the American market.

Inkwell 2 (2^nd Set of Pictures)

Its mark consists of the handwritten red script “Décor main” (Hand-decorated), “FRANCE,” and a prominent capital “N.” with a period.

• Manufacturer: The script “N.” refers to the Napoleon style of decoration. This specific mark is frequently associated with mid-to-late 20th-century Limoges decorators like NAS (Nadal & Seret) or other high-quality workshops that specialized in the “Empire Style” (bees and laurel wreaths).
• Age: Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1950–1980).
  • “Décor main”: This specific style of orange/red script labeling is typical of French workshops from the post-WWII period through the 1980s.
  • Theme: While the bee design itself is an antique Napoleonic motif, pieces marked with this handwritten “N.” are almost always high-quality boutique items from the second half of the 20th century rather than 19th-century antiques.

Summary Comparison

These two Limoges inkwells share a Napoleonic Empire aesthetic, primarily defined by the use of the gilded honeybee motif against a crisp white porcelain ground. Despite their thematic similarities, they differ significantly in their proportions, structural components, and decorative details.

Shared Characteristics: The Napoleonic Bee Design

• Imperial Motif: Both pieces feature large, hand-painted or stenciled golden bees around the exterior of the main bowl. This symbol was famously adopted by Napoleon Bonaparte as a sign of industry and immortality.
• Color Palette: Both inkwells utilize a classic Empire Style color scheme, combining bright white glazed porcelain with heavy 24k gold gilding on the rims, base, and decorative accents.
• Laurel Accents: Each lid features a circular laurel leaf wreath, another Napoleonic symbol for victory and honor.

Key Structural & Decorative Differences

The following table highlights the distinct features that separate the Coronet (Inkwell 1) from the Modern Studio (Inkwell 2) piece:

Summary of Forms

Inkwell 1 (Lim) presents a more streamlined, understated silhouette typical of early 20th-century export porcelain. The rounded finial and inner-rim laurel border give it a balanced, classical feel.

Inkwell 2 (Bee) displays the more ornate characteristics of a mid-century boutique piece. The addition of an inner reservoir, the pointed finial, and the “dot” accents between the bees create a more complex visual texture.