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Louis XIV Inkwells

LOUIS XIV STYLE

As opposed to the styles that would follow from the other 18th-century French kings, Louis XV and Louis XVI, antique Louis XIV furniture is rigid and imposing. It expresses opulence — even its armchairs, with their upright backs, straight legs and lavish ornamentation, look like thrones. Authentic Louis XIV sofas, a then newly emerging iteration of seating, are fully upholstered and often feature decoratively carved frames of walnut, chestnut or oak.

When French King Louis XIV established his royal court at Versailles in 1682, he transformed what was once a hunting lodge into a palace that declared his wealth and power through its design. Until his death in 1715, he reigned with a spirit of excess and absolute political dominance. The “Sun King,” as he called himself, believed that France revolved around him as planets do the sun. Louis XIV adopted the sun as his emblem, decorating the grounds with symbols of the sun and Apollo, the Greek god of the sun. As he stated, “There is nothing that indicates more clearly the magnificence of great princes than their superb palaces and their precious furniture.” He was a child when he became king in 1643, only shaping his style after he became absolute monarch in 1661.

Reflecting trends in French Baroque art, Louis XIV furniture characteristics included exuberant decoration. There were gilded bronze details including shells, suns, grotesques, lions and classical references like acanthus leaves. The years of growth in the country’s manufacturing, such as the tapestries and cabinets made at Gobelins, led to design innovations. The commode replaced the chest as a storage device, with drawers and a surface that could double as a desk.

The materials were luxurious, such as the popular tortoiseshell veneer technique that leading cabinetmaker Pierre Golle used in his designs. André-Charles Boulle, who became royal cabinetmaker in 1672, was a masterful artist of marquetry, using inlays of ebony, exotic woods and mother-of-pearl.

Find a collection of antique Louis XIV bedroom furniture, chairs, tables and other pieces on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XIV
Antique 19th c. French Gilt Bronze Inkwell With Original Cobalt Blue Ink Pot
Located in New Orleans, LA
Unleash the Spirit of French Louis XVI: Antique gilt Bronze Inkwell Transport yourself to a time of artistic brilliance with this captivating antique gilt bronze inkwell, meticulousl...
Category

1870s French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique 19th c. French Gilt Bronze Inkwell With Original Cobalt Blue Ink Pot
Antique 19th c. French Gilt Bronze Inkwell With Original Cobalt Blue Ink Pot

Antique 19th c. French Gilt Bronze Inkwell With Original Cobalt Blue Ink Pot

French Louis XIV Boulle Marquetry Tortoiseshell Gilt Bronze Inkwell Desk Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and magnificent fine quality antique French gilt bronze ormolu mounted André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) style marquetry inlaid tortoise-shell sculptural encrier (inkstand). G...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu, Brass

French Louis XIV Boulle Marquetry Tortoiseshell Gilt Bronze Inkwell Desk Stand
French Louis XIV Boulle Marquetry Tortoiseshell Gilt Bronze Inkwell Desk Stand

French Louis XIV Boulle Marquetry Tortoiseshell Gilt Bronze Inkwell Desk Stand

Large Antique French Marble and Bronze Inkwell, circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a stunning, large, antique French marble and gilt bronze double inkwell. The inkwells’ lids are hinged to the wells and have motifs of swirling leaves with berries culminatin...
Category

1870s French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Large Antique French Marble and Bronze Inkwell, circa 1880
Large Antique French Marble and Bronze Inkwell, circa 1880

Large Antique French Marble and Bronze Inkwell, circa 1880

Antique 19th century bronze gilded inkwell with malachite
Located in Bilzen, BE
A richly engraved gilded bronze inkwell decorated with cabochon polished malachite stones Fully engraved in Louis XIV style 19th century both glass inside inkholders missing 11.5 x ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Antique 19th century bronze gilded inkwell with malachite
Antique 19th century bronze gilded inkwell with malachite

Antique 19th century bronze gilded inkwell with malachite

Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell
By Paul Somani
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century gilded ormolu desk inkwell, stamped; Sormani, Paris. Having wonderful stylized scrolling foliate and shell like decoration, with a hinged central lid...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell
Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell

Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell

Related Items
Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell
Located in Dallas, TX
An exquisite blend of elegance and functionality, this tortoiseshell double inkwell is a true collector's delight. With its stunning glass inkwells, brass accents, and convenient sto...
Category

1870s English Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell
Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell

Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell

H 8 in W 9.25 in D 11 in
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.

H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 5.12 in
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand

Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand

H 6 in W 15 in D 7.5 in
19th Century Exoticism Elephant Inkwell
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautiful polished bronze elephant inkwell which clearly exhibits the late 19th Century fascination with the exotic. Similar to Orientalist subjects...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Exoticism Elephant Inkwell
19th Century Exoticism Elephant Inkwell

19th Century Exoticism Elephant Inkwell

H 6.5 in W 6 in D 6 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 Louis XIV 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 Louis XIV 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
French Louis XV Silver and Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19/20th Century) silver plate on bronze oval shaped inkwell with handles and acorn finial.  
Category

19th Century Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Bronze

French Louis XV Silver and Bronze Inkwell
French Louis XV Silver and Bronze Inkwell

French Louis XV Silver and Bronze Inkwell

H 4.5 in W 7.5 in D 4.75 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 Louis XIV 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
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 Louis XIV 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
Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Thatched Roof Cottage, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional antique inkwell made from bronze, gilded. Little house with cute details. Nice bronze work, beautifully chiseled. The original glass insert is existing. A similar inkwell...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Thatched Roof Cottage, Circa 1880
Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Thatched Roof Cottage, Circa 1880

Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Thatched Roof Cottage, Circa 1880

H 4.34 in W 3.15 in D 2.76 in
19th century Embossed Bronze Inkwell
Located in Savannah, GA
Bronze inkwell intricately embossed with scroll work. Features include a pen vest and back tray and double inkwells with griffins on the back gallery. A continental piece possibly Au...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th century Embossed Bronze Inkwell
19th century Embossed Bronze Inkwell

19th century Embossed Bronze Inkwell

H 4.25 in W 14.5 in D 9.5 in
19th Century Bronze Inkwell
Located in Delft, NL
19th century bronze inkwell A bronze inkwell in 2 colors in a sleek round shape with 2 armrests with the head of a dragon to lay a pen on. The lid of...
Category

19th Century European Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Inkwell
19th Century Bronze Inkwell

19th Century Bronze Inkwell

H 5.12 in Dm 5.91 in
Previously Available Items
French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Foliate Form Inkwell 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Foliate Form Inkwell 20thC Measures- 2.75''H x 7.5''W x 5.75''D
Category

20th Century Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Foliate Form Inkwell 20thC
French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Foliate Form Inkwell 20thC

French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Foliate Form Inkwell 20thC

H 2.75 in W 7.5 in D 5.75 in
Napoleon III Boulle Inkstand
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular with two cut glass inkwells and pen tray over a drawer. The sides rounded. The inspiration for the decoration from designs by the master cabinet maker Andre Charles Boull...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Boulle Inkstand
Napoleon III Boulle Inkstand

Napoleon III Boulle Inkstand

H 8.75 in W 16.5 in D 10 in
English Boulle and Brass Tortoushell Inkwell, Circa 1900
Located in Van Nuys, CA
20th century English boulle and brass inlaid Tortoushell and rosewood Inkwell and Pen stand. The tortoiseshell was attached to the hardwood rosewood frame and hand-painted with red l...
Category

20th Century French Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Brass

English Boulle and Brass Tortoushell Inkwell, Circa 1900
English Boulle and Brass Tortoushell Inkwell, Circa 1900

English Boulle and Brass Tortoushell Inkwell, Circa 1900

H 5 in W 9 in D 7 in
Inkwell in Red Levanto Marble, 18th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rectangular molded inkwell in red Levanto marble. It is drilled with four compartments : two squares, one round and one oblong. It stands on four sm...
Category

Mid-18th Century European Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Marble

Inkwell in Red Levanto Marble, 18th Century
Inkwell in Red Levanto Marble, 18th Century

Inkwell in Red Levanto Marble, 18th Century

H 1.58 in W 8.67 in D 5.91 in
19th Century Palais Royal Inkwell and Watch Holder
Located in New Orleans, LA
Shimmering mother-of-pearl envelopes this outstanding watch holder and inkwell. The magnificently detailed, pierced screen secures a timepiece and diminutive mirror...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Palais Royal Inkwell and Watch Holder
19th Century Palais Royal Inkwell and Watch Holder

19th Century Palais Royal Inkwell and Watch Holder

H 12 in W 7 in D 5.25 in
Louis XVI Style Tulipwood Inkwell or Encrier with Sevres Style Plaques
Located in Nashville, TN
Finished in the surround (all four sides) with paquetry panels and bronze mounts. Each side with a centered porcelain plaque. Some light fading to the veneers but very good antique ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Inkwells

Louis XVI Style Tulipwood Inkwell or Encrier with Sevres Style Plaques
Louis XVI Style Tulipwood Inkwell or Encrier with Sevres Style Plaques

Louis XVI Style Tulipwood Inkwell or Encrier with Sevres Style Plaques

H 3.25 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in
French 17th Century Louis XIV Period Ormolu and Porphyry Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A truly superb and unique French 17th century Louis XIV period ormolu inkwell. This impressive inkwell is raised on a solid scrolled porphyry base. Four finely chased turtles support the ormolu designed upper portion with a molded edge and scaloped corners. Above are four mythical dragons centered...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Porphyry, Ormolu

French 17th Century Louis XIV Period Ormolu and Porphyry Inkwell
French 17th Century Louis XIV Period Ormolu and Porphyry Inkwell

French 17th Century Louis XIV Period Ormolu and Porphyry Inkwell

H 9.5 in W 10.5 in D 9 in

Louis Xiv inkwells for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV inkwells for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th 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 and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV 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 Paul Somani. 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 $1,277 and tops out at $3,600 while the average work can sell for $2,466.

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