Inkipedia

Pierrot – Becquerel / Aladin – French Porcelain

Categories Ceramics/Porcelain "Named" Makers
Type Clown
Material Porcelain
Markings See narrative
Manufacturer Aladin
Origin France
Date or Era circa 1920
Measuring 3 ½” diameter; 3 ½” high

These porcelain inkwells are designed in the shape of Pierrot’s head, a character from the commedia dell’arte tradition. The inkwells feature a ruffled collar with a pen hole. They all are made with the same mold, but are hand painted in a variety of colors and expressions. Each one is different. The top part of the head serves as a removable lid, allowing access to the inkwell inside.

The bottom of each inkwell is impressed with the name “Becquerel,” and painted with the mark “Aladin Made in France”.

  • André Vincent Becquerel 1893-1981 was a prominent French sculptor of the Art Déco period.
  • ‘Aladin’ is a name found on various porcelain objects produced in France during the 1920s & 30s. The objects were functional – trinket boxes, inkwells & night lights usually of whimsical, novelty forms. These objects were usually designed by leading French artists of the period, with their names impressed on the base.

These have sold in a range of prices:

Example #1 – Black – Sold for $202 in August 2024

Example #2 – Green – Sold for $358 in June 2023

Example#3 – Sky Blue – Sold for $550 in December 2022

Example #4 – Orange – Sold for $704 in June 2016

Example #5 – Pink with a wink – Sold for $145 in October 2014

Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.

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