Large Napoleon III Louis XIV Style Inkwell, Boulle Marquetry Desk Set

Large minister's desk inkwell in Boulle marquetry (tortoiseshell on a red and brass background) richly decorated with chiseled bronze (busts of Indian women in the corners, antique masks, astragals). It includes 4 compartments, two of which are concave and two for the inkwells. Beautiful decoration said in counterpart, our inkwell is mainly in gilded brass with tortoiseshell arabesques standing out from the gold background. (Its twin brother may still exist somewhere, the symmetrical cutting of which gave the same inkwell with a gold decoration on a red background.) Louis XIV style, Napoleon III period, circa 1850. Large piece, to place on a flat desk. Very good condition, no loss of decoration or accident. Length: 34cm Width: 25cm Height: 8,5cm