Antique
Art
Nouveau
Cloisonné
Enamel
Inkwell
This item was acquired from an estate and we were told it was a French 19th century Cloisonné inkwell. From a little research “French” and “19th century” seem probably, but rather than Cloisonné the piece is more likely to be Champlevé Enameling.
Cloisonné & Champlevé are both styles of enamel decoration. With Cloisonné the enamel is applied and fired in raised cells (as of soldered wires) on a usually metal background. With Champlevé the enamel is applied and fired in cells depressed (as by incising) into a metal background.
This item consists of a marble [or Alabaster] base framed in a footed brass tray with Champlevé enameling. Centered on the piece is a Champlevé Brass pot with a hinged lid and porcelain inkwell liner.
Marble base is a milky translucent dark cream color with a tinge of green, and light amber veins. Marble has a smooth semi-gloss surface – no chips or cracks.
Frame is a copper tinged brass and makes a sculpted tray with handles, 4” x 4¾” [6½” w/handles] x 1” [deep w/feet]. The face or top has Art Nouveau/Cloisonnism designs that are beautifully detailed and variegated. The bottom is a brass plate held on by screw-in brass feet.
Ink Pot is 2¾” tall [from the surface of the marble to the top button on the lid], and is centered on the tray. Made from materials matching the frame with a complementing design. Hinged lid is true and fits tight.
Porcelain liner has a 1¼” [outside] diameter and is 1” deep. Porcelain is white and marked on the bottom with a Roman numeral III. Seems original to inkwell -- no chips or cracks.
Overall piece is complete and in excellent condition – with a light patina of age. Overall weight is 1 lb. 5.2 oz. Stand is solid and sits level.
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