French Desk Accessories

Hermès Cleopatra Eye Magnifier Silver Plated Vintage Desk Accessory This vintage Hermès "Eye of Cleopatra" (Œil de Cléopâtre) magnifying glass is an e...

A refined sculptural bronze paperweight or ashtray by French artist Monique Gerber, dating from circa 1970. The piece is elegantly shaped as a single daisy petal, with its recessed c...

Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze France, late 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 x 11 x 7 cm Elegant inkwell made of gilt bronze with an elaborately execu...

Designed and crafted in France in the 60s, it is a polished silver-plated pen and pencil holder, which can also double up as a paper weight. The surface of the piece has aged beautif...

Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze France, late 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 x 7 x 7 cm Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze Finely...

Stunning French heavy gauge Sterling Silver Centerpiece of ovoid outline, complete with its original firm fitting Cranberry Glass liner, late Nineteenth Century. The circular body ...

A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece ...

This stunning wastebasket was designed for the Christian Dior Interior Collection. The rare piece was meticulously crafted in France circa 1970. The geometric shape features a gilded...

Art Nouveau bronze paper knife, circa 1905. Decorated with mistletoe, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 14.5 cm Width: 3.2 cm Thickness: 0.3 cm Weight: 35 grams Ed...

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...

Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Trinity Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With A Red Cartier Box & Paperwork. Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring the classic trinity rings...

A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener by the sculptor Maurice Frécourt. Circa 1900. It is signed "Frécourt". This piece is in goo...

French Art Deco letter holder in burl wood.

Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988 This refined Hermès correspondence box exemplifies the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship, discretion, and timeless lu...

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...

This Vintage Brutalist bronze desk set is a powerful tactile sculptural ensemble, comprising an ashtray with matching table lighter. Both pieces crafted with expressive, raw-edged fo...

Gorgeous stylized bunny rabbit sculpture / paperweight by Baccarat, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clarity. Signed on th...

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...

French chess game in the thematic of Ancient Egypt. The chess pieces are in painted and waxed plaster, the board is in wood and the is also a display shel...

French Art Nouveau Bronze card tray or Pin Tray, Vide - Poche, 1920s This absolutely adorable card tray or pin tray, Vide - Poche, is made of bronze ...

Vintage table/desk fan designed by Codumé, 1960s, swivel foot, 2 speeds, works perfectly, height: 45cm, diameter: 35cm, foot: 16x22 cm. This unique fan captures the essence of vintag...

Murano midcentury modern 1960s Millefiori flower, green, blue, red, white murine Italian Art Glass paperweight.

Large Turned Thuya Burl Wood Sphere, France, Late 19th Century A beautifully figured and unusually large decorative sphere hand-turned from thuya burl, dating to the late 19th centu...

This is a 1930s French Art Deco style silvered spelter desk inkwell with wise owl motif. It has the original porcelain insert. The architectural form depicting wonderfully detailed r...

An elegant wooden desk letter holder, crafted from veneer with contrasting grain patterns that highlight the material's rich character. Its three-tiered design allows for the easy or...

Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Ballpoint Pen With Red Cartier Box A stunning vintage Must de Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring an elegant ribbed silver-plated finish with Carti...

French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century A richly ornamented French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter rack, dating to the late 19th century. This jewel-...

CHANEL winder holiday snow globe featuring Chanel gift bags, boxes, and N.5 perfume bottle / Made in France This comes in original box Diameter: 4 inches / Height: 5.5 inches 1 avail...

A rare opportunity to acquire a Cartier letter opener in the Vendôme Godron design, made from silvered metal with heavy 18k gold plated accents. Le Mus...

Daum, France, created this adorable crystal kitty cat figurine paperweight or ornamental sculpture by hand in the late 1960s. The sculpture features a lovely cat with dimensional car...

Great Baccarat inkwell with extensive crystal cut. Places for pens are at each side. France, late 19th century. .

A wonderful vintage Hermes Silverplated Horse motif magnifying paperweight. The detail of the casting is quite extraordinary. The original box is included although the box is quite...

A French puffed crystal heart paperweight decorative object from luxury Maison Baccarat, circa late-20th century to early-21st century, France. 'Puffed' heart is clear/transparent cr...

Vintage Must de Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Vendome Fountain Pen With 18ct Gold Nib, Paris A classic Must de Cartier Trinity Vendome fountain pen, beautifully executed in silver p...

Cartier Louis Black Godron Ribbed Fountain Pen With 18ct Gold Nib, Onyx Cabochon & Cartier Box An elegant vintage Cartier Louis fountain pen, beautifully finished in a deep black ri...

Little is known about the origins of this amazing piece, apart from it being from France, circa 1900. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, ...

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...

An exquisite mid-to-late 20th-century vintage clear crystal figurine depicting a stalking cat, meticulously handcrafted by the world-renowned artisans at Baccarat in France. This bea...

Vintage solid brass paperweight depicting a stylized leaf with organic lines. The wavy, textured shape evokes a natural leaf while maintaining a decorative aesthetic typical of 1970s...

Unmatching pair of bronze dove bird sculptures or paperweights. France, 1930s Art Deco sitting dove bird and standing dove bird figurines on black marble pedestals. Measures: Sta...

Elegant Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Oval Rollerball Pen Complete With Cartier Box & Guarantee Card. Made in Paris, France Cartier pens are designed by Cart...

Charming and unusual early 20th-century French advertising sculpture depicting a realistically modeled mouse climbing across a molded base prominently inscribed “MENTIL.” The diminu...

Beautiful Sleek Cartier 18K Gold Nib Black Body Trinity Fountain Pen With Box Designed by Cartier and Manufactured by MontBlanc The pen is made from a black composite Pen nib is 18...

This nice desk set is constituted of a lamp, a basket, a paper holder, a diary and a pen holder. The all set is made of leather and brass. This is a French work, circa 1970.

Gorgeous stylized starfish sculpture / paperweight by Baccarat, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clarity. Signed on the un...

Absolutely Stunning Grand Tour style Patinated Bronze chisel cast example of the architectural model of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, of compact proportions. Late Nineteenth early Tw...

The lacquer ground with a strong burgundy undertone. Well carved , colored and other wise decorated . The porcelain well in good Antique condition . Minor wear due to age and use .

A fine antique 19th century French Empire style gilt bronze & marble double inkwell eagle desk set, circa 1880. This very elegant antique inkwell desk...

Super pair of typical Ciboure stoneware tapered vases by Anne Marie Grillard for Ciboure, France Hand decorated with a shepherd tending his flock on one and an animated musician on the other Albeit a pair, there is a minute difference in height Circa 1966-1979 Signed A Grillard, R F Ciboure...

Rare Jacques Adnet Art Deco Chrome Desk Waste Basket, France, circa 1930 An extraordinary artifact of French Art Deco design, this sculptural chrome desk accessory—meticulously craft...

Molded glass radiator cap/paperweight. "Perche" model, created on May 20, 1929. In perfect condition. Molded signature "R. Lalique" (faint) and stamped "Lalique France" on the base. ...

Vintage Must de Cartier Vendôme Gold Plated Textured Rollerball Pen With Red Accent & Original Cartier Box A beautiful and highly decorative vintage Must de Cartier Vendôme rolle...

This stunning Art Deco modernist desk accessory was crafted in France, circa 1930. The exceptional ensemble features a double inkwell with a pen holder and a matching blotter. The sl...

This four sided every changing graphic optical Op Art lucite vintage cube sculpture by Victor Vasarely is vintage from the 1970s. They were produced in ...

Antique Art Nouveau French Bronze Gilt Thistle Letter Opener Albert Marionnet France Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 31.5cm Of notably large size, this letter opener is a...

A remarkable piece to elevate any office, and an essential addition to your vintage Hermès collection. This elegant Hermès loupe is a stunning object. A d...

Decorative "Groupe de Six Moineaux" statue paperweight made in glass with light blue patina by Rene Lalique in 1933. Acid-stamped "R.LALIQUE" signature on bottom. Perfect and great ...

Pen "Must de Cartier Trinity Red Lacquer & Gold Fountain Pen", Cartier, France, Paris, 2000s Additional Information: Materials: Gold, metal, lacquer, gilding Vintage Artist...

Inkwell with Enamel Decoration and Onyx Plate Origin: Probably France Material: Gilded metal, champlevé enamel, onyx Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 9 × 12 ×13 cm Des...

French decorative sculpture and paperweight dating from the 1970s, crafted from translucent resin in a striking cubic form. The piece features layered horizontal bands in shades of y...