Ceramic Desk Accessories

Exquisite antique Worcester porcelain desk inkstand and cover in "dragons in compartments" or "bengal tiger" pattern. A stunning piece of English Regency chinoiserie in imari palette...

French Art Nouveau Inkwell by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, France, circa 1890. A rare and exquisite Art Nouveau inkwell by renowned French ceramist Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910). This finely crafted piece showcases Dalpayrat’s signature red copper-glazed stoneware, especially rich and luminous near the base. Elegantly mounted in pewter, the design exemplifies the organic flow and refined detail of the Art Nouveau period. Dimensions: Height: 3.54 in. (9 cm) Diameter: 5.12 in. (13 cm) Materials: Stoneware with pewter mount Condition: Excellent+++++, museum-quality preservation Markings: Incised signature "Dalpayrat 1500" under the base (see photo) This inkwell is a collectible example of French ceramic art at the turn of the century—perfect for collectors of Art Nouveau, 19th-century French ceramics, or the works of Dalpayrat. Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910): A Pioneer of French Ceramic Innovation Adrien Dalpayrat was a French ceramicist and researcher who played a key role in the revival of stoneware at the end of the 19th century. Born in 1844 in Limoges, Dalpayrat studied drawing and porcelain painting in his hometown before beginning his professional career at the Jules Vieillard faience factory in Bordeaux. There, he met his wife, Marie Tallerie, with whom he had two sons—Albert and Adolphe—who would later become his primary collaborators. Throughout his early career, Dalpayrat worked for several major ceramic manufacturers, including Ashwin (Valentine), Fouquet (Toulouse), François Blanc (Monaco), and Léon Sazerat (Limoges). In 1889, seeking greater independence, he moved to the Paris region and established his own studio in Bourg-la-Reine. Collaborations and Artistic Evolution Dalpayrat’s creative vision expanded through his collaboration with sculptor Alphonse Voisin-Delacroix. Together, they explored neo-Gothic and Palissy-inspired motifs, creating a remarkable ceramic bestiary. Following Voisin-Delacroix’s death in 1893, Dalpayrat partnered with Adèle Lesbros, which marked a shift in his work toward simpler, more refined vase forms influenced by Japonism. Japanese art had been introduced to France during the 1867 Universal Exhibition, but it wasn’t until the 1878 Exhibition, particularly through the ceremonial stoneware used in the Japanese tea ceremony, that Japonism truly captivated French artists. This influence led Dalpayrat to create vessels with organic, vegetal, and animal-inspired forms. Technical Mastery: The Secrets of Copper Red Among all the ceramists of his time who sought to replicate the elusive Chinese “sang de boeuf” (oxblood) glaze, Adrien Dalpayrat was arguably the most successful. He didn’t simply reproduce the legendary copper red—he transformed it. By manipulating glaze thickness, firing temperature, atmosphere, and copper oxide content, he developed a unique palette of flamed and mottled red glazes that became his signature: the renowned Dalpayrat red. He further enriched his pieces by introducing streaks and inclusions of turquoise, blue, green, and yellow—freeing the red glaze from monochromy and turning it into an expressive, living surface. His work pushed stoneware beyond function into expressive art, merging form and glaze in bold, sculptural harmony. Beyond Ceramics: Bronze Mounts and Architectural Works Dalpayrat also collaborated with renowned jewelers such as Ernest Cardeilhac and Keller to produce pieces mounted in gilt bronze, blending ceramics with decorative arts at the highest level. In an effort to make his work more accessible, he opened a second faience workshop focused on simpler, more affordable pieces inspired by Nevers and Rouen ware. However, this venture faced financial difficulties and closed by 1900. The main family studio followed in 1906 as the popularity of Art Nouveau declined. Dalpayrat then returned to Limoges, devoting his final years to painting and drawing until his death in 1910. Legacy and Recognition Despite financial struggles during his lifetime, Dalpayrat’s ceramics were widely acclaimed at major international exhibitions: Bronze medal, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago (1893) Silver medal, Antwerp International Exhibition (1894) Gold medal, Exposition Universelle, Paris (1900) Today, his work is part of prestigious museum collections. In 2020, the Petit Palais in Paris acquired a large bird motif vase created in collaboration with Voisin-Delacroix, now on view in Room...

Sweet and diminutive vase using the Neriage technique by Jean Gerbino for Vallauris, France Ceramic glazed shaped vase, with mosaic patterning and terracotta accents Circa 1960's Sig...

Sporting a 'Dutch Cut' to his coat, this adorable ceramic poodle stands tall and proud Collar and feet are gilded, the glaze is a delicious toffee caramel colour and the eyes are pin...

Vintage ceramic vase (or pencil holder if you prefer) by Raymonde Leduc (circa 1970s). Sandstone coloured small vessel with plant motifs inlaid on all four sides. In good overall con...

1950s Fornasetti original astonishing porcelain vide poche/catchall "Sonate- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" by Piero Fornasetti . Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk acc...

A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...

A set of 3 beautiful porcelain handle Chinese calligraphy brushes. The handles with hand painted round and oval porcelain balls of longevity motifs and basketweave, in classic, timeless blue and white...

Quality antique Victorian Staffordshire Greyhound inkwell having a greyhound laying on a shaped blue coloured base, hand painted in wonderful blue an...

A beautiful German porcelain Boxer dog, West Germany, 1968. Beautiful details as shown. Dated and marked 'West Germany' on underside belly as shown...

The Netherlands Circa 1640 – 1670 A finely painted blue and white Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a Merman. Sea creatures where quite popular in the 17th century, supporting...

A good pair of Art Deco Faience bookends form HB Quimper, in good condition, very colorful. Dimensions are 7.5" long by 4.5" and 7" high. Each. Note, one small lost of glazing on the...

Nice 1980s Gucci - Italy designed leather desk accessories set, includes pen holder, note paper holder and small tray. The leather pieces have the classic green and red stripe, with ...

An oval shaped lidded pot designed by Anne-Marie Trolle for Royal Copenhagen Applied silver zig-zag decoration to pure white porcelain Circa 1980's Stamped and numbered 5575 Height ...

Turquoise Glazed Faience and Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell by Théodore Deck (1823–1891), circa 1870 Rare desk inkwell signed TH. DECK, crafted in faience with the celebrated turquoise gl...

Smooth dark brown glaze lidded pot with playing card suit motif of applied silver Designed by Sven Jonson for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Stylish and functional Circa 1960's Signed Gustav...

A delightful trio of Art Deco porcelain figures, all from the same charming series, a pair of bookends and a coordinating trinket dish, each modeled as a stylish 1920s flapper in a p...

Undeniably appealing, Italian retro ceramic tiger cub from the 1960's Hand painted and glazed, vibrant and striking Circa 1960's Signed Italy Height 10 inch, Width 8 inch, Depth 6 in...

Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three porcelain vessels. The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour. France, 1839. On the lid is written "ENCRIER BOUQUET" "MEDAILLE D´ARGENT...

The Netherlands Gouda Workshop of W. J. Oliviers Verswaen (De Swaen) Circa 1625 - 1650 A polychrome Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a predator bird sitting on a tree trunk, ...

A rare and beautiful paperweight with amazing surrealist eyeball decor. Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Early production, 1950s. Great original conditio...

A dramatic blue pearl lustre dragon porcelain vase created in the 1920s by Daisy Makeig-Jones for Wedgwood, Dominated by a bold gilded dragon on an azure blue background. Exotic gilded script motifs decorate among the pale blue lustre...

Tasteful and modern in design, stoneware Argenta egg cup by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Decorated with applied silver 'Profil' stripes and banding A collectors piece Circa...

A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...

Organic Modern classic minimalist white porcelain apple sculpture. The beauty of natural shape is on full display with this apple form that have graced still-life art for centuries....

The Netherlands Gouda Workshop of W. J. Oliviers Verswaen (De Swaen) Circa 1625 - 1650 A polychrome Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a starling identifiable by its spotted bo...

A large exotic beetle in applied silver adorns this most unusual piece of Argenta stoneware by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden Silver 'bamboo' decoration on rim and plain silv...

1950s Astonishing rare porcelain paperweight designed by Piero Fornasetti with butterflies. Handmade.Made in Italy. Heavy ceramic construction for use as beautiful desk accessories. ...

The Netherlands Gouda Workshop of W. J. Oliviers Verswaen (De Swaen) Circa 1625 - 1650 A polychrome Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a flying bird, probably a parrot. This t...

Drip glaze ceramic box made in Italy, circa 1970s. Grainy finish along with high gloss accents in a beautiful chocolate brown and tan giving it great depth...

Vintage Italian porcelain "1964" paperweight with calendar by Piero Fornasetti. Lithographic and gilt decoration with charming zodiac figures alongside their corresponding months. Th...

1960s Original astonishing porcelain catchall / vide-poche "La Gioconda" by Piero Fornasetti. Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk accessories. Marked on the bottom...

A rare and beautifully coordinated six-piece tea set from the esteemed Wallendorf Porcelain Manufactory, dating to the GDR era. This delightful set features two complete color-themed...

2x Mid-Century Modern massive brass bull bookends, 1960s

Delightful pair of scalloped edged stoneware pin trays by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Applied silver scalloped rim and trefoil flower sprigs decoration on signature Argent...

This small porcelain object is a scale weight from the late Ming-dynasty (1368-1644), a dense counterweight for a tabletop balances used by merchants to ...

An exceptionally fine quality highly detailed and glazed quite rare Pair of standing English Porcelain Staffordshire Poodle Dogs modelled as Pen or Quill Holders, third quarter of th...

The Netherlands Circa 1625 – 1650 A finely painted blue and white Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a Carnation. A highly unusual tile, as in this period, most tiles are still...

Rhinoceros beetle in white porcelain, from the awesome insect collection. The insects that made a successful debut decorated in intense colors are no...

The Netherlands Circa 1640 – 1670 A finely painted blue and white Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a Mermaid holding a torch. Sea creatures were quite popular in the 17th cen...

Wonderful Mid-Century ceramic decorative piece or desk organizer in the iconic and vibrant Rimini Blu color. This lovely and unique piece was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by B...

A German white porcelain jewelry dish with whimsical design by designer Raymond Peynet for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Midcentury Modern period, circa mid-20th century, Germany. Dish show...

Organic in form, abstract ceramic vide poche by Gabriel Fourmaintraux, France Strong pallet of red, yellow and orange enamels contrast wonderfully with the exterior matt black glaze ...

Stunning French Lavish Gilt Porcelain Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions, made by renowned French porcelain maker Jacob Petit. Last quarter of the Nineteenth Centur...

A rare and unusual Hungarian art nouveau art pottery desk stand mounted with deer and decorated in eosin iridescent green glazes dating from around 1900. The desk stand has a boat sh...

A beautiful Herend porcelain salmon orange roses with green leaves and vine/stem decorative object, 2001, Hungary. Marker's mark on underside as shown in last image. Dimensions: 6" x...

A stunning Wedgwood vase with a glaze reminiscent of fine gossamer. The sky blue base ground has veil of golden brown mottling, adorned with a flutter of gilded butterflies...

Porcelain creation depicting a bee, part of the Awesome Insects collection. A surprising decorative design. The pollinizing species par excellence, t...

Pair Wedgwood blue and white Jasperware desk accessories. Beautiful blue grey bisque beaker/bud-vase with cream-ivory neoclassical bas relief, ...

Pair of small footed stoneware Argenta dishes by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Decorated with tiny flower sprigs and scalloped banding to rim in applied silver Circa 1959 Bot...

Royal Owner Victorian Burgundy Leather Writing Slope Box With Hinged Lid Writing Pad, Storage & Two Inset Porcelain Panels. Within the slope there is a leather bound blotting she...

Vintage Italian Mid-Century porcelain sculpture of a leopard, mid-stride, with open mouth. Italian hand-painted glazed porcelain standing leopard. M...

A beautiful porcelain regal dog sitting on fancy pillow, in the Regency design style, circa mid-20th century. A great decorative object. Piece is matte unglazed porcelain ceramic of a brown and white dog, a red and gold collar, sitting on fluffy blue pillow with yellow...

The Netherlands Circa 1640 - 1660 A Spanish galley on a Dutch tile, painted in cobalt blue, but why? Isn't he a bit far from home? Well, not everything is as it seems. This tile was...

A beautiful special edition English Wedgwood black basalt Jasperware small oval box with gold scallop seashell design, circa late-20th century, 1980s, England. Piece is matte black stoneware with gold scallop seashell design on top lid. The box was created in the mid-1980s as a special edition for members of the Wedgwood Collectors Society, marked on inside lid area in gold (as shown.) Markers mark 'Wedgwood', 'Made in England', on bottom as shown. Piece can neatly hold a cocktail ring or other small items, etc., or just be beautiful as a standalone piece decorative object. English wood box...

Superb bijou vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden from the Argenta collection. Decorated with a stylised fish of applied silver on mottled green stoneware. Circa 1930's Ba...

Stoneware Argenta dish by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Decorated with applied silver scalloped rim and trefoil flower sprigs on green mottled stoneware Circa 1960's Stampe...

Impeccably hand painted life-size barn owl figure by Zanolli, Italy from the 1980's Has incredible presence - a terrific piece Circa 1980's Signed Zanolli, Italy Height 11.5 inch, Wi...

Inkwell with Integrated Pump Mechanism Origin: France Material: Brass, porcelain, nickel-plated metal Date: Circa 1900 Dimensions: H × Ø: 8 × 14 cm Description: This French inkwel...

A collector's quality bone china paperweight from Spode, England Exquisite gilding and floral enamel decoration topped with gilded ball accent Circa 2000 Signed Spode, England F1860-...