Large Rouge Marble and Gilt Bronze Inkwell Encrier, Attributed to Barbedienne

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...

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...

Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Vase, C. 1870 In the Islamic / Alhambra taste. The two handled vase in Alhambra form, enameled in rich yellow throughout ...

Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...

Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...

A Verona red marble remarkable inkwell, pure Empire style representing a gilded bronze of the bust of Antinous as Dioniso. Empire style, Generous size, excellent state of preservatio...

This vintage 19th century inkwell is beautifully designed with a detailed sculpted doré' bronze reminiscent the poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The figure is costumed in a draped g...

A most impressive fine quality antique Louis XV style French ormolu encrier / inkstand. Born in France in the 19th century, almost certainly Parisian work, exquisitely chased, chis...

A beautiful onyx and gold gilt bronze inkwell [ink well] box in the Empire style, circa 19th century, Europe. In addition to its intended use, piece makes a gorgeous standalone decor...

Antique French gilt bronze inkwell on rouge marble stand. It is of superb quality and features a central figure of Diana The Huntress. Provenance: From the estate of Texas Oil...

Elegant inkwell made of antique yellow marble, with applications and central eagle in finely chiseled and gilded bronze.