Old Paris Porcelain

Description

• Form & Components: The set features an oval, boat-shaped inkwell body resting atop an integrated, lobed tray. The inkwell has a large central opening that houses a removable white porcelain insert, capped with a matching lid topped by a gilded ball finial. Flanking the central opening are two small round holes intended to hold quill / dip pens.
• Handles: Striking features are the two elegant, sculptural handles modeled as graceful swan necks and heads, entirely brushed in rich gold gilding.
• Decoration: The tray and the upper portion of the inkwell body are decorated with a fine, meticulous grey/black diamond lattice (trellis) pattern, with each intersection or center dotted by a small star or floret motif.
• Gilding & Motifs: The rims of both the tray and the vessel are embellished with heavy, elaborate relief-molded gilded borders featuring stylized leaves and scrollwork. The lower white porcelain belly of the inkwell is accented by raised, gilded fleur-de-lis motifs, emphasizing its classic French heritage.

The Mark on the Underside

The mark on the bottom is a hand-painted or incised script inscription that reads “JP”.

Origin & Maker

• Maker: Jacob Petit (born Jacob Mordecai, 1796–1868), one of the most famous, innovative, and celebrated porcelain masters of his era, known for his eccentric, vivid, and highly ornamental styles.
• Where it was made: France (produced at his porcelain factory in Fontainebleau/Avon, with a finish and distribution workshop in Paris). Wares of this type and quality from this region are historically classified as Old Paris Porcelain (Vieux Paris).
• When it was made: Mid-19th century, typically circa 1835–1850 during the Louis-Philippe period, when Empire and Rococo Revival styles blended prominently.