Vintage Louis XV Style Inkwell with Shell DecorationPatinated Metal Pen Tray with Hinged Lid, 18 cm

Before blotting paper became common in the nineteenth century, writers dried their ink with pounce, a fine powder sprinkled over the wet page and then tipped back into its pot. A complete writing stand often held ink, pounce and pens together in one decorative tray, and the shape of that tray became an object of design in its own right.

This inkstand follows that idea in the Louis XV style. A wide tray with curling, scrolled edges spreads out in two shallow hollows, where pens and nibs could rest. At the back rises the inkwell itself, closed by a hinged lid with a domed top decorated with rows of small beads and a little finial. A fan of ribbed ornament spreads out beneath the inkwell, and a carved-look scallop shell finishes the front edge of the tray. The metal has a warm, mellow patina.

The inkwell is in good condition, with a soft patina and a small spot of green verdigris on one side. It makes a handsome piece on a writing desk, where it can hold pens, paper clips or small treasures today.

In short, this is a vintage Louis XV style inkwell in patinated metal, with shell decoration, a scrolled pen tray and a hinged lid. It measures 18 × 14 cm and is exactly as pictured.

DETAILS

Size: 18 × 14 cm (7.1 × 5.5 in). About the size of a paperback book.
Material: Patinated metal
Style-Period: Louis XV style; vintage
Shipping: Professionally packed, fully insured, worldwide. We handle the paperwork, with all import duties paid by us; nothing to settle on delivery.
Condition: Good; soft patina; a small spot of verdigris on one side.
Returns: Accepted within 30 days.

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.

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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.

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Delivery information

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