French Gilt-Bronze and Pink Sèvres Porcelain Inkwell & Letter Holder, circa 1880

A Rare Art Nouveau French Ormolu and crystal inkwell Encrier by Baccarat, circa 1900, the ormolu possibly by Francois Linke. Depicting a reclined winged maiden...

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...

A rare French Ormolu and diamond-cut crystal figural inkwell Encrier by Baccarat, circa 1875. Depicting a cherub with books, with the finest ormolu mounts, this exquisite jewel...

Al Thani collection, a Mughal Indian square white jade inkwell cover, circa 1800 Purchased from the Al Thani collection, Christies New York, Sal...

A palatial french ormolu-mounted Sevres Porcelain hand-painted vase and cover, circa 1838. This monumental Sevres porcelain vase stands 56" high, and is beautifully hand-painted with classical scenes of lovers and cupids, in teal / turquoise blue ground porcelain. Made with very fine quality figural bronze handle, the vase turns to a full 360 degree angle and is mounted on a solid bronze base with fine detail. Painted with beautiful flowers throughout the entire vase, leading up to the cover, which is adorned with an acorn bronze...

A rare and important French ormolu/bronze and Sevres style turquoise porcelain jewelry box casket on matching French ormolu/bronze table with Sevres style porcelain plaques. Of palatial / monumental size! "The Marie Antoinette Jewelry...

A fine Louis XV Style gilt bronze and Sèvres style Porcelain inkwell. French, circa 1890. This elegant and sophisticated inkwell is of sarcophagus form with finely painted por...

French gilt bronze and marble inkwell and pen holder.

Small inkwell crafted in porcelain, the paunch and lid decorated with a frieze of polychromatic floral motives highlighted with gold. The lid topped by a pine cone finial features a ...

19th century French inkwell depicting a beautiful woman. Striking color combination of soft grey marble with contrasting bronze, circa 1880.

Beautiful 19th century French porcelain inkwell from the imperial manufacture of Sevres. Green and gold decor with dolphin's head. Stamped Sevres at the back. Rare item.

Large, late 19th century, hand-engraved bronze desk stand. This antique and rather sizeable bronze inkstand is highly decorative, in very good condition and it is one of the heavies...