19th C. French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Inkwell by Theodore Millet
By Maison Millet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: 5.5 inches high x 8.5 inches wide x 8.25 inches deep.
An exceptionally decorative 19th-century French Louis XV-style inkwell, or encrier, by the celebrated Parisian firm of Maison Millet, associated with Théodore Millet. Combining the exuberance of the Rococo revival with the exceptional bronze craftsmanship for which Maison Millet became renowned, this remarkable desk accessory exemplifies the refinement and artistry of French decorative arts during the second half of the 19th century.
The composition is distinguished by its elaborate gilt-bronze ormolu mounts, sculptural foliate ornament, and richly figured wooden surfaces. Two covered inkwells sit symmetrically within an elegantly shaped, wood-inlaid platform, each crowned by an intricately decorated lid with a raised finial. The surrounding gilt-bronze framework features pierced scrollwork and finely modeled foliate details, while a dramatic, branching arrangement of naturalistic leaves rises from the rear, creating a striking sculptural silhouette. Beneath, the shaped base is adorned with flowing Rococo scrolls, delicate foliage, and a prominent shell-form motif at the center of the front apron. The result is an object that transcends its original practical purpose, functioning as a miniature work of decorative sculpture.
The contrast between the warm, richly toned wood and the luminous gilt-bronze ornament gives the piece considerable visual depth. Curving lines, asymmetrical foliage, pierced details, and elaborate cast ornament evoke the graceful vocabulary of the Louis XV period, reinterpreted through the sophisticated craftsmanship and luxurious taste of the Belle Époque. Every element contributes to the inkwell's sense of movement and refinement, from the sculptural rear ornament to the beautifully articulated bronze mounts surrounding the ink pots.
Of particular importance, the bronze mounts are signed “MB” underneath, providing a significant detail for collectors and researchers of Maison Millet. Specialist auction descriptions identify the MB initials on related Maison Millet bronze...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Woodwork Decorative Objects
