Antique Bronze Reclining Dog InkwellNapoleon III Style, Late 19th Century
Delivered free · US duties paid · Insured
The head lifts and turns aside to reveal what this figure was really built for — not simply an ornament for a shelf, but a small vessel of daily use, the dog's body forming the well and its hinged head the lid, a piece of engineering hidden inside a moment of sentiment. Novelty inkstands shaped like sleeping or reclining animals flourished through the Napoleon III era, a time when the writing desk had become a stage for personality as much as correspondence, and a visitor was expected to smile
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- 30-day returnsNo reason needed
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Will I pay import duties or tariffs?
No. I pay the US import duties and tariffs, so there is nothing to pay on delivery.
What if it arrives damaged?
Every piece is packed individually and fully insured. Send me a photo of the piece and the box, and I handle the claim with the carrier and agree the solution with you.
What if it doesn't suit my room?
You have 30 days to return it, no reason needed. For a change of mind, you pay the return shipping. How returns work
Antique Bronze Reclining Dog Inkwell, Napoleon III Style, Late 19th Century
- Origin
- France
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Materials
- Bronze
DETAILS
Materials: Bronze
Style: Napoleon III style novelty inkwell, reclining dog form
Date: Late 19th century
Condition: Sold in found condition; attractive natural patina; original ink insert is missing
The head lifts and turns aside to reveal what this figure was really built for — not simply an ornament for a shelf, but a small vessel of daily use, the dog's body forming the well and its hinged head the lid, a piece of engineering hidden inside a moment of sentiment. Novelty inkstands shaped like sleeping or reclining animals flourished through the Napoleon III era, a time when the writing desk had become a stage for personality as much as correspondence, and a visitor was expected to smile at some small, unexpected detail before a single letter was begun. It evokes the atmosphere of a study from that period, gaslight flickering over dark wood and leather, the dog resting exactly as a real one might beside its owner's chair, half companion, half curiosity. One can imagine it lifted and set down thousands of times over a century and more, a hand reaching for it almost without looking, which is perhaps why its surface carries the deep, well-handled patina it does today, rubbed warm at the high points where fingers found it again and again.
The inkwell is cast in bronze in the form of a reclining dog, legs tucked beneath the body, the hinged head lifting away to access the well beneath. The bronze has developed a rich, dark patina over time, with warmer reddish-brown tones showing through at the high points, worn smooth by handling. The original glass or ceramic ink insert is no longer present. The piece is sold in its found condition, with the patina left untouched.
This is offered as a single inkwell.
Each item is carefully and professionally packed and fully insured for worldwide shipping. US import duties are included in the price. For other destinations, local import taxes and duties may apply and are payable by the recipient. Returns are accepted within 30 days.
Condition & electrical details
Condition
Read our condition standard. Please ask if you need additional photographs or measurements.
A decorative style is not a guarantee of a particular maker or date. See the individual listing for the stated attribution and period.
Shipping, insurance & tariffs
Worldwide delivery is included in the price. Every piece is individually packed, tracked and fully insured. No shipping charge is added at checkout. If your destination is not listed, please contact us before ordering.
Maison Jaspers pays US tariffs and import duties. For other destinations, local import taxes and duties may apply and are payable by the recipient. Contact us before ordering if you need destination-specific guidance.
Dispatch timing is shown above. Transit time depends on your destination.
Returns
Notify us within 30 days of delivery if you wish to return a piece. No reason is required. You pay return shipping for a change-of-mind return.
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