Vintage Louis XV Rocaille Style InkstandSilver-Tone Metal with Gadrooned Urn Inkwell and Pierced Scroll Tray, Attributed Late 19th Century

In the late nineteenth century, the writing desk of a well-to-do household was furnished almost like a small stage set. Large inkstands in the Louis XV style, all swirling scrolls and leaves, sat at the centre of the desk. They held the ink and gave the pens a place to rest, and they also showed visitors that letters were written there with some ceremony. Their makers took the swirling, asymmetrical shapes of Rocaille ornament and gave them a sturdy, practical form.

This inkstand is a generous example. Its broad tray is a lively shape of curling C-scrolls, shell-like flutes and acanthus leaves, pierced through in several places so the desk shows between the curves. At the back, a tall leafy crest rises, with two slender branches curving out to either side. These branches served as rests for pens. At the centre stands a single urn-shaped inkwell with a gadrooned lid, decorated with twisted ribs and a leafy collar and topped with a small acorn-like finial. Inside, it keeps its ink pot. The silver-tone finish has worn softly on the high points, so a warm golden tone shows through.

The inkstand is in good condition, with wear to the silver-tone finish and a few small ink spots from use, as pictured. It weighs 1.325 kg, so it sits solidly on a desk. Today it makes a handsome centrepiece for a writing desk or a library table.

In short, this is a vintage Louis XV Rocaille style inkstand in silver-tone metal, with a gadrooned urn inkwell and a pierced scroll tray, attributed to the late nineteenth century. It measures 24 × 22.5 cm and is exactly as pictured.

DETAILS

Size: 24 × 22.5 cm (9.4 × 8.9 in). About the size of a large dinner plate.
Material: Silver-tone metal; ink pot
Style-Period: Louis XV / Rocaille style; vintage, attributed to the late nineteenth century
Weight: 1.325 kg (2.9 lb)
Shipping: Professionally packed, fully insured, worldwide. We handle the paperwork, with all import duties paid by us; nothing to settle on delivery.
Condition: Good; wear to the silver-tone finish, with a warm golden tone showing through on the high points; a few small ink spots.
Returns: Accepted within 30 days.

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