Paris Exposition – 1900 Inkstand

This is an elaborately decorated faience double inkstand from the 1900 Paris Exposition.

• Shape and Structure: The inkstand has an undulating, somewhat shell-like or fan-like shape. The top edge is scalloped, and the bottom edge flares out to form a tray. It holds two inkwells flanking a central medallion.
• Inkwells: Two inkwells, each covered by a lid with a small finial (knob) on top.
• Central Medallion: Between the two inkwells, there is an oval medallion framed by decorative scrolls and dots. Inside this medallion is a bust portrait of a man, probably a knight.
• Main Scene: The lower, broader part of the inkstand forms a tray or pen rest area. It features a landscape scene with a fortress situated on a hill marked “Le Châtelet”. There are trees to the right of the building, and the sky is depicted with light blue and white. The ground is rendered in earthy tones.

The underside is marked “Vieux Paris Exposition 1900”, referring to a popular attraction within the Exposition Universelle (Universal Exhibition) of 1900 held in Paris, France.

• Exposition Universelle of 1900: This was one of the largest and most celebrated World’s Fairs ever to take place in Paris. It ran from April 14 to November 12, 1900, and attracted over 48 million visitors. Its theme was “Bilan d’un siècle” (A Century’s Assessment), looking back at the advancements of the 19th century and forward into the 20th.
• “Vieux Paris” (Old Paris) Attraction: Within this grand exposition, there was a popular attraction called “Le Vieux Paris” (Old Paris). This was a historical reconstruction designed to evoke the charm and atmosphere of medieval or old Parisian streets and architecture. It aimed to provide visitors with a sense of the city’s past, featuring mock-ups of old buildings, narrow streets, and sometimes even actors dressed in historical costumes. It was a romanticized and nostalgic view of Paris’s heritage.
• Significance of the Mark: The mark “Vieux Paris Exposition 1900” indicates this was sold as a souvenir within the 1900 Exposition.
• Impact of the 1900 Exposition: The Exposition Universelle of 1900 was influential. It showcased technological advancements (like the first Paris Métro line, the moving sidewalk, and early motion pictures), art, industry, and culture from around the world. It left a legacy on Paris, with major structures like the Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and Pont Alexandre III being built for the event and still standing today. The “Vieux Paris” section contributed to the overall atmosphere and appeal of the fair, offering a contrast between the past and the progressive future being celebrated.