Meissen Egg-Form Inkwell

Form and Structure

• Overall Form: The inkwell takes an elegant, vertical egg-form shape, which is supported on a circular architectural base.
• Supports (Caryatids): The egg-form body is supported by three Egyptian-style caryatids (sculpted female figures serving as columns). These figures stand on the circular base and hold the egg-shaped well above their heads. The use of Egyptian motifs is characteristic of the Neoclassical style, particularly the Empire period.

Materials, Color, and Decoration

• Material: Fine hard-paste porcelain.
• Glaze and Color: The main body and components feature a rich, deep cobalt blue glaze (often referred to as bleu de roi or simply cobalt blue).
• Gilding: Extravagant gilded trim (gold decoration) is applied throughout, highlighting the edges, molded elements, and the base. This provides a luxurious contrast to the deep blue.
• Hand-Painted Decoration: The circular base is adorned with delicate hand-painted floral decoration — small sprays or groups of naturalistic flowers—placed in the reserved white porcelain sections.

Function and Details

• Lid and Finial: The top of the egg-form inkwell is fitted with a removable lid, which is topped by an ornamental acorn finial.
• Interior: The lid covers the inner compartment, which contains the inkpot.

Maker’s Mark

• Mark: The undersides of the piece are marked with the cross-swords in blue underglaze, the famous trademark of the Meissen Manufactory.

Estimated Period of Manufacture

The combination of the Egyptian caryatid motif (Neoclassical/Empire style), the rich cobalt blue and heavy gilding, and the design complexity points to a specific period in Meissen’s history.

The Egyptian revival style was highly fashionable after Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt (1798–1801) and was prominent during the Empire and Biedermeier periods.

• Period: Based on the style, this Meissen inkwell was most likely made during the late 18th century to the first half of the 19th century. A more precise estimate places it within the Early 19th Century (circa 1815–1850).
• Note: Meissen did reissue some historical styles later in the 19th century, but the complexity of the molding and the specific execution of the Empire-style caryatids are strongly indicative of a piece made earlier in the 19th century.