Western Europe, France, ca. 19th century CE. This is a beautiful cast-brass inkwell with 2 lidded wells complete with removable glass inserts! The piece rests on a hefty rectangular base, and the concave underside rests on 4 corner bracket feet. The repousse motifs on the top are ornate neoclassical style cornucopias of fruit in the corners with scrolling foliate and rosette motifs throughout. At the front are a pair of vertical scrolling struts for resting the quill or pen. The double inkwells resemble the base of a Corinthian pillar, and the domed lids open on a hinge, revealing the interior basin that contains the original green glass inserts - perfect for easily filling with ink and cleaning. Size: 8.5" L x 5.5" W x 3" H (21.6 cm x 14 cm x 7.6 cm)
Provenance: private Evergreen, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA, collection, acquired 1960 to 2000
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#168634
Condition
Losses to the rim on the glass inkwell insert on one and the other insert is intact. Glass inserts are likely original and fit perfectly in the inkwell. Strut is slightly loose on the left side, but still secure via threaded bolt. The lids articulate and overall great condition. Green patina and mineral deposits on underside.