Siena Marble Inkstand with Ormolu Trim

This double inkstand features a tiered rectangular marble base mounted with cast ormolu (gilt bronze) decorative trim, incorporating an integrated pen tray along the front. The hinged domed lids of the inkwells are finished with acorn finials and floral-and-foliate repoussé detailing, accented with delicate swag garlands draped around the collars. Inside, one inkwell retains its original white ceramic porcelain insert, while the other shows its metal interior.

Material

The piece is crafted from Siena marble (Giallo di Siena), a striking yellow Italian ornamental marble quarried in Tuscany. It is characterized by its warm mustard-yellow or ochre ground, deeply veined with dramatic dark purple, brown, and grey brecciated fractures.

Origin and Date

This piece is French, dating from the Napoleon III period (Second Empire), circa 1860–1880. During the mid-to-late 19th century, French workshops heavily revived neoclassical and Louis XIV-XVI design motifs, producing luxurious desk accessories using imported Italian marbles paired with finely chased ormolu mountings.