Napoleon III Inkwell In Gilded Bronze And Champlevé Enamel With A Silver Stopper

A very elegant Napoleon III-era desk writing set, crafted in gilt bronze and richly decorated with polychrome champlevé enamel in shades of red, black, and gold. It rests on a sculpted top that doubles as a tray and features the refined decoration characteristic of French craftsmanship from the second half of the 19th century.

The set consists of two crystal inkwells complete with their repoussé silver stoppers, adorned with a delicate floral design. In the center, a lion’s head in relief adorns the front, while a wooden pen holder holds an antique quill.

The quality of the engraving, the finesse of the enamels, and the presence of the make this a truly beautiful desk accessory, as decorative as it is functional, ideal for complementing a Napoleon III-style interior or a collection of antique writing instruments. Writing sets of this type were designed to hold ink and sand for drying, both of which were essential for writing with a quill in the 19th century.

Period: Napoleon III, second half of the 19th century.
Origin: France.
Materials: Gilded bronze, champlevé enamel, crystal, silver stoppers.
Condition: Very good condition with slight wear consistent with its age. Both crystal cups are present, along with their silver stoppers.

Dimensions: 24 cm long x 19 cm deep x 12 cm high