Marble Inkstand with Gilded Bronze Lioness

This is a sophisticated French late 19th-century inkstand composed of a heavy marble base and detailed gilded bronze lioness.

Description & Construction

• The Figure: A fine gilded bronze lioness (or panther) is depicted in a naturalistic, reclining pose, appearing to groom its paw.
• The Inkwell: A single circular bronze inkwell sits to the right of the figure. It features a hinged lid with a pinecone or acorn finial and is decorated with classical wreath and garland motifs. It contains its original white ceramic porcelain liner.
• The Base: The base is crafted from a thick slab of banded onyx (often referred to as Algerian or “onyx marble”), showing deep honey and brown veining. It has a deep, integrated pen tray carved directly into the stone.
• The Feet: The stand is elevated by four low, turned bronze bun feet with a textured or “knurled” finish.

Estimated Age

This piece dates to the late 19th century (circa 1880–1895). It is characteristic of the Beaux-Arts or Third Republic style in France, which favored high-quality “animalier” (animal-themed) bronzes paired with luxurious semi-precious stones.

Manufacturer & Attributions

While the provided images do not show a visible maker’s signature, several factors point to a Parisian foundry:

• Paris Foundries: In the late 1800s, specialized firms such as F. Barbedienne or Susse Frères were renowned for producing these types of desk sets.
• Sculptural Style: The detailed musculature of the lioness is reminiscent of the work of famous French “Animalier” sculptors like Antoine-Louis Barye or Christophe Fratin, whose models were frequently cast into decorative inkstands by high-end retailers.

Note: The underside shows the original threaded bolts and square nuts used to secure the heavy bronze figure to the marble, confirming the piece’s authentic 19th-century construction.