Sitzendorf Porcelain Inkstand

This porcelain inkstand is an example of the Rococo Revival style, adorned with figural and floral elements. At its center, two cherubs or putti are seated, their limbs intertwined, one draped in a blue cloth, the other in yellow, both with rosy cheeks and flowing hair. They rest on a raised, pink-tinged platform that is part of the inkstand’s base.

Flanking the cherubs are two lidded inkwells, each with a rounded body, a short foot, and an ornate finial. These inkwells are painted with delicate floral sprays and accentuated with extensive gilt details, including scrollwork around the rim and lid.

The main body of the inkstand is a curvilinear, sculptural form with prominent rococo-style scrolling and pierced sections, all richly decorated. The porcelain is predominantly white with a pale blue or green wash in the recessed areas, highlighted by gold gilding along the edges and raised elements.

This inkstand is attributed to the Voight brothers, Sitzendorf, Germany, having a blue mark of two parallel lines crossed with a single slanted line.

The Sitzendorf factory was re-established in 1850 by Wilhelm Liebmann. It underwent various ownership changes, including the Liebmann & Oertel period (from 1858).

During the 1884 to 1902 period, the factory was under the ownership of Gebrüder Voigt (Voigt Brothers). The specific mark – two parallel lines crossed with a single slanted line – is one of the earlier and often less ornate marks used during this period, typically in underglaze blue. It resembled crossed swords, similar to Meissen, but without the specific Meissen elements.