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French Provincial Inkwells

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: French Provincial
Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A charming antique French provincial faience Quimper style inkwell from the French province of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, circa 1900. Signed on reverse. Thi...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900
Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900

Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900

French 'Les Deux Rats Et L'Oeuf' Marble Mounted Bronze Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An antique French novelty bronze inkwell modeled as 'Les deux rats et l'oeuf' mounted on a red veined marble base and dating from the latter 19th century. The inkwell is based on the...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French 'Les Deux Rats Et L'Oeuf' Marble Mounted Bronze Inkwell
French 'Les Deux Rats Et L'Oeuf' Marble Mounted Bronze Inkwell

French 'Les Deux Rats Et L'Oeuf' Marble Mounted Bronze Inkwell

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
By Veuve Perrin Factory
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Faience

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell

Late 19th c. French Hand Painted Faience Inkwell, signed Alice Chaumeil
Located in Winter Park, FL
A good French inkwell faience with great colors and details. Minors chips on the edges but overall condition. Signed CA,, with number 820. From Alcide Chaumeil's atelier in Paris ac...
Category

Early 20th Century European French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th c. French Hand Painted Faience Inkwell, signed Alice Chaumeil
Late 19th c. French Hand Painted Faience Inkwell, signed Alice Chaumeil

Late 19th c. French Hand Painted Faience Inkwell, signed Alice Chaumeil

French Brass and Marble Desk Inkwell Stand
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Brass and Marble Desk Inkwell Stand This is a very attractive desk top inkwell, the stand is made with marble and set with 2 chased brass ink pots, these are lined with glas...
Category

19th Century Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Marble

French Brass and Marble Desk Inkwell Stand
French Brass and Marble Desk Inkwell Stand

French Brass and Marble Desk Inkwell Stand

Related Items
19th Century French Hand Painted Oval Faience Wall Platter from Rouen
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful antique ceramic dish was crafted in Normandy, France, circa 1880. The stylized ceramic plate has a scalloped edge and depicts a han...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Faience

19th Century French Hand Painted Oval Faience Wall Platter from Rouen
19th Century French Hand Painted Oval Faience Wall Platter from Rouen

19th Century French Hand Painted Oval Faience Wall Platter from Rouen

H 10.5 in W 15.25 in D 2 in
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronz...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo

Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo

H 12.8 in W 19.97 in D 10.63 in
19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardiniere Signed Henriot Quimper
By Henriot Quimper
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a buffet or table with this colorful antique faience jardiniere. Crafted in Brittany, France, circa 1880, the oval planter features crown shaped scalloped edges and is dress...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardiniere Signed Henriot Quimper
19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardiniere Signed Henriot Quimper

19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardiniere Signed Henriot Quimper

H 5 in W 11.25 in D 7.75 in
French Faience Cache Pot, 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A white glazed French Faience “Cache Pot” with handles, circa 1870.
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Faience

French Faience Cache Pot, 19th Century
French Faience Cache Pot, 19th Century

French Faience Cache Pot, 19th Century

H 7 in Dm 9.5 in
Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900
By Henriot Quimper
Located in Pearland, TX
A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This gorgeous inkwell is hand painted with a traditional Breton man surrounded by bagpipes...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Faience

Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900
Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900

Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900

H 1.5 in W 7.5 in D 7 in
19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted of brilliant doré bronze and fine brocatelle marble, this wonderful Napoleon III-period inkwell is as functional as it is beautiful. In a style reminiscent of Louis XV Rococo...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell
19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell

19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell

H 9.25 in W 20.5 in D 11 in
Mid-19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardinière from Rouen
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a dining room table or a mantel with this large antique jardinière; crafted in Normandy, circa 1860, the oblong planter stands on scrolled feet...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardinière from Rouen
Mid-19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardinière from Rouen

Mid-19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardinière from Rouen

H 7 in W 26.25 in D 9 in
19th Century Baccarat Inkwell
Located in Tampa, FL
A Baccarat crystal inkwell with decorated bronze. Circa 19th century, France. The interior is two inches deep and the opening is one inch wide.
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

19th Century Baccarat Inkwell
19th Century Baccarat Inkwell

19th Century Baccarat Inkwell

H 4.5 in W 4 in D 4 in
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell
By L'Escalier de Cristal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century French Crystal and Bronze Mounumental Inkwell. Signed. Escalier de Cristal Paris.
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell

19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell

H 6.75 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in
Antique English Bronze Hunting Hound / Dog Inkwell, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A beautifully cast late Victorian inkwell dating to circa 1880 in the form of a handsome hunting dog. The hinged lid opens to reveal a removable ink chamber. Excellent conditio...
Category

1880s Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Bronze Hunting Hound / Dog Inkwell, circa 1880
Antique English Bronze Hunting Hound / Dog Inkwell, circa 1880

Antique English Bronze Hunting Hound / Dog Inkwell, circa 1880

H 6.25 in W 3.5 in D 5.5 in
19th Century French Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Wall Plate Stamped Longchamp
By Longchamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Add some color to your kitchen wall or dining room shelf with this beautiful antique Majolica wall platter. Crafted in France, circa 1880, the plate ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

19th Century French Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Wall Plate Stamped Longchamp
19th Century French Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Wall Plate Stamped Longchamp

19th Century French Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Wall Plate Stamped Longchamp

H 2.5 in Dm 10.25 in
French Marble and Bronze Inkwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French marble inkwell with bronze details and two ink wells. The piece is designed with a decorative handle which makes it very easy to move from desk... The ink wells both conta...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Marble and Bronze Inkwell
French Marble and Bronze Inkwell

French Marble and Bronze Inkwell

H 5.5 in W 14.88 in D 7.75 in
Previously Available Items
19th Century Carved Wood Black Forest Desk Set Inkwell Bird Tray w Letter Opener
Located in Shreveport, LA
~From our most recent buying trip, we found several great antique black forest pieces, including this beautiful antique ink well and letter opener ~La...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

19th Century Carved Wood Black Forest Desk Set Inkwell Bird Tray w Letter Opener
19th Century Carved Wood Black Forest Desk Set Inkwell Bird Tray w Letter Opener

19th Century Carved Wood Black Forest Desk Set Inkwell Bird Tray w Letter Opener

H 3 in W 11 in D 5.5 in
Turn of the Century French Carved Gilded Ink Blotter
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden ink blotter from France, circa 1900. The handle and upper surface are alive with bold, verdant flourishes, carved in burnished wood. The half-moon...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood

Turn of the Century French Carved Gilded Ink Blotter
Turn of the Century French Carved Gilded Ink Blotter

Turn of the Century French Carved Gilded Ink Blotter

H 3.9 in W 5.3 in D 3.1 in
19th Century French Style Bronze and Marble Ink Well
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
19th century French style bronze and marble ink well Measures: 10" W x 19.5" L x 8" H.  
Category

20th Century European French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Style Bronze and Marble Ink Well
19th Century French Style Bronze and Marble Ink Well

19th Century French Style Bronze and Marble Ink Well

H 8.5 in W 19 in D 10 in

French Provincial inkwells for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial inkwells for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage inkwells created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial inkwells made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original inkwells, popular names associated with this style include and Veuve Perrin Factory. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for inkwells differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $595 and tops out at $1,650 while the average work can sell for $636.

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