Inkstand In Silver And Rock Crystal

Attributed to Christian Benjamin Jeseric (active in Kassel, ca. 1720–1760)

Court of Hesse-Kassel, ca. 1735–1745

Cast, chased and repoussé silver; carved and mounted rock crystal; internal gilding

Dimensions: approx. 25 × 30 × 18 cm

An exceptional silver and rock crystal inkstand, conceived as a theatrical and symbolic desk piece. The shaped base with scrolling rocaille motifs supports a gilded tray for pens or sand, two hemispherical inkwells in mounted rock crystal, and a central inkwell surmounted by an allegorical group.
At the centre, a bearded triton holds a small vessel and a crystal sphere, alluding to dominion over marine and cosmic forces. The lid is topped by a mythological rider on a winged sea horse, surrounded by volutes, shells and fantastical creatures. The mountings are rich with winged heads, grotesques and symbolic ornaments.
The quality, materials and iconography support an attribution to Christian Benjamin Jeseric, one of the foremost goldsmiths active at the Hesse-Kassel court under Wilhelm VIII, renowned for luxurious objects combining silver mounts with rock crystal, often intended for cabinets of curiosities. A masterwork of German Baroque decorative arts.