Skip to main content

Louis XIV Desk Accessories

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.

to
2
7
1
5
1
1
1,336
815
578
303
287
230
66
57
52
52
51
39
39
38
38
29
25
24
7
5
2
2
2
6
1
7
7
Height
to
Width
to
7
7
7
1
Style: Louis XIV
17th Century Iron Lock & Key
Located in Huntington, NY
17th century lock & key. Probably form a large cabinet or a door.  
Category

17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

17th Century Iron Lock & Key
17th Century Iron Lock & Key

17th Century Iron Lock & Key

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 Desk Accessories

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 Desk Accessories

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

French Gilt Bronze Sculpture Statue on Marble Base, circa 19th C.
By Hippolyte François Moreau
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, small. French gilt bronze statue in the style of sculptor Hippolyte Francois Moreau, circa late-19th century, France. This gilt ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Gilt Bronze Sculpture Statue on Marble Base, circa 19th C.
French Gilt Bronze Sculpture Statue on Marble Base, circa 19th C.

French Gilt Bronze Sculpture Statue on Marble Base, circa 19th C.

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 Desk Accessories

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

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 Desk Accessories

Materials

Ormolu

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

Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell

Bouillotte Side Table Lamp Mood Light Gilt Bronze Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Bouillotte Side Table Lamp Mood Light Gilt Bronze Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA . VERY LARGE Louis XIV style bouillotte table lamp in fine gold color on bronze With a beautiful detai...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Tin, Bronze

Bouillotte Side Table Lamp Mood Light Gilt Bronze Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA
Bouillotte Side Table Lamp Mood Light Gilt Bronze Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA

Bouillotte Side Table Lamp Mood Light Gilt Bronze Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA

Related Items
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.
Category

19th Century European Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"

19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"

H 9 in W 7 in D 6 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 Desk Accessories

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
Gilt Bronze Dog-House Inkwell, 19th Century, French
Located in Doylestown, PA
A charming French gilt bronze inkwell in the form of a dog house with the roof on a hinge to store the ink bottle.
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Gilt Bronze Dog-House Inkwell, 19th Century, French
Gilt Bronze Dog-House Inkwell, 19th Century, French

Gilt Bronze Dog-House Inkwell, 19th Century, French

H 3 in W 7 in D 3 in
Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Bird, Mid 17th Century
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
The Netherlands Circa 1630 - 1660 A fine painted blue and white tile with a decoration of a bird on a piece of fruit. With so-called oxheads as corner decoration. A genuine c...
Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Faience

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Bird, Mid 17th Century
Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Bird, Mid 17th Century

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Bird, Mid 17th Century

H 5.12 in W 5.12 in D 0.4 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 Desk Accessories

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
19th Century French Patinated Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Accessorize a man's office with this antique bronze dog sculpture. Created in France, circa 1890, the sculpture stands on a grey marble top; it feat...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Patinated Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Base
19th Century French Patinated Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Base

19th Century French Patinated Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Base

H 7 in W 5 in D 3.75 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 Desk Accessories

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 nautilus inkwell/paperweight
Located in London, GB
À beautiful bronze patinated iron inkwell/paperweight in the shape of a nautilus shell.
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

19th century nautilus inkwell/paperweight
19th century nautilus inkwell/paperweight

19th century nautilus inkwell/paperweight

H 3.35 in W 5.12 in D 1.97 in
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 Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell
Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell

Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell

H 8 in W 9.25 in D 11 in
17th Century Dutch Delft Tile in Chinese Wanli Style with bird
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
The Netherlands Circa 1620 – 1640 A blue and white Dutch tile with a decoration of a Chinese garden with a bird on a rock. Influenced by the Chinese porcelain from the Wanli Period....
Category

1620s Dutch Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

17th Century Dutch Delft Tile in Chinese Wanli Style with bird
17th Century Dutch Delft Tile in Chinese Wanli Style with bird

17th Century Dutch Delft Tile in Chinese Wanli Style with bird

H 5.16 in W 5.16 in D 0.48 in
Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile: Vase with flowers, 17th Century
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
The Netherlands Circa 1620 – 1640 A blue and white Dutch tile with the decoration of a vase with flowers. The scene is painted within a cartouche with a Wanli corner design, inspire...
Category

1630s Dutch Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile: Vase with flowers, 17th Century
Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile: Vase with flowers, 17th Century

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile: Vase with flowers, 17th Century

H 5.28 in W 5.28 in D 0.48 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 Desk Accessories

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
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 Desk Accessories

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 Desk Accessories

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 Desk Accessories

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
Pair of Casolettes, late 18th c
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of French casolettes made of marble and gilt bronze. The condition is not the best. The marble has some restorations and the bronzes are in need of cleaning. But really nice...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Casolettes, late 18th c
Pair of Casolettes, late 18th c

Pair of Casolettes, late 18th c

H 11.03 in Dm 3.94 in
Midcentury Cut Crystal and Ormolu Dressing Set Having Butterfly Motif
Located in Winnetka, IL
Midcentury French cut crystal and ormolu dressing set having a butterfly motif.
Category

1970s French Vintage Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Midcentury Cut Crystal and Ormolu Dressing Set Having Butterfly Motif
Midcentury Cut Crystal and Ormolu Dressing Set Having Butterfly Motif

Midcentury Cut Crystal and Ormolu Dressing Set Having Butterfly Motif

H 5 in Dm 3 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 Desk Accessories

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 Desk Accessories

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 Desk Accessories

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
17th c. Grande Presse Papiers or Paperweight Louis XIV
Located in Haarlem, NL
Large and heavy Presse Papiers in Red Belgian Marble. Nice patina. Some missing chips consistent with age.
Category

17th Century Antique Louis XIV Desk Accessories

17th c. Grande Presse Papiers or Paperweight Louis XIV
17th c. Grande Presse Papiers or Paperweight Louis XIV

17th c. Grande Presse Papiers or Paperweight Louis XIV

H 6.3 in W 12.6 in L 6.3 in
Wonderful French Casket With Bronze Ormulo Mounts & Handpainted Sevres Plaque
Located in Roslyn, NY
This French Casket with Ormulo Mounts and a beautiful hand painted Sevres Plaque on top is in wonderful condition. The Sevres plaque has a blue frame, wi...
Category

1930s French Vintage Louis XIV Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Wonderful French Casket With Bronze Ormulo Mounts & Handpainted Sevres Plaque
Wonderful French Casket With Bronze Ormulo Mounts & Handpainted Sevres Plaque

Wonderful French Casket With Bronze Ormulo Mounts & Handpainted Sevres Plaque

H 7.5 in W 12 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 Desk Accessories

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 desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV desk accessories 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 desk accessories created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV desk accessories 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 desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Paul Somani, and Paul Sormani. 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 desk accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $880 and tops out at $58,500 while the average work can sell for $1,999.

Recently Viewed

View All