19th-century Italian Inkwell Made Of Malachite And Gilded Bronze (ground Gold) Featuring Cupid And A Mermaid –
An exceptional and highly decorative Italian inkwell, crafted from malachite and gilded bronze (ground gold) in the late 19th century. It features an imaginative mythological composition depicting Cupid and a mermaid in pursuit of a pearl, represented by a small sphere of natural malachite.
This elegant and original writing accessory combines the richness of ornamental stone with the refined craftsmanship of Italian bronze artisans, reflecting the fascination with classical mythology characteristic of the “Grand Tour” tradition and the Neoclassical revival.
An enchanting mythological composition
The inkwell stands out for its charming sculptural arrangement, featuring a mischievous Cupid (putto) and a mermaid, both in pursuit of a precious pearl.
The pearl is ingeniously represented by a small, polished malachite sphere, adding a delightful narrative touch and creating a harmonious link between the sculpted figures and the luxurious stone base.
The composition blends the themes of love, beauty, the sea, and the quest for precious treasures, evoking the allegorical and imaginative language of classical European decorative arts.
A small central inkwell, or ornamental urn, completes the ensemble, providing an elegant focal point between the figures.
The luxurious combination of malachite and gilded bronze
The rectangular base is crafted from natural malachite, prized for its exceptional green coloration and characteristic swirling patterns.
The stone’s rich green hues contrast beautifully with the warm, gilded surfaces of the finely modeled gilt bronze figures, creating a sophisticated interplay of colors, textures, and materials.
In the 19th century, malachite was highly prized in the luxury decorative arts in Europe and frequently incorporated into prestigious desk accessories, clocks, candelabras, and ornamental objects.
The gilded bronze figures showcase the artistic appeal of Italian metalwork, thanks to their expressive forms and meticulously crafted details.
Italian Craftsmanship of the “Grand Tour”
Dating from the late 19th century, this inkwell reflects the refined decorative taste associated with Italian “Grand Tour” objects and the revival of classical and mythological subjects. Italian workshops produced a wide variety of sculpted desk accessories and luxury decorative objects intended for aristocratic residences and international collectors, often combining richly colored ornamental stones with gilded bronze.
This piece stands out for its original subject matter, the sophistication of its materials, and the charming dynamism that animates it.
A refined collector’s piece
Measuring 30 × 17 × 17 cm, this inkwell has a remarkable decorative presence while retaining the intimate proportions of an elegant writing accessory.
It would make a magnificent addition to an antique desk, a library, a cabinet of curiosities, or a refined classical interior.
A late 19th-century Italian inkwell made of malachite and gilded bronze (ormolu), a one-of-a-kind piece highly prized by collectors, combining precious materials, classical mythology, and the timeless elegance of Italian decorative craftsmanship.
Origin
Italy
Period
Late 19th century, circa 1870–1900
Style
Grand Tour / Neoclassicism
Materials
Natural malachite and gilded bronze (gilded bronze)
Subject
Cupid and a mermaid chasing a pearl, represented by a malachite sphere
Dimensions
Width: 30 cm
Height: 17 cm
Depth: 17 cm
Condition
Condition consistent with the age and use of the piece. Please examine the photographs carefully to assess the condition of the malachite base, the gilded bronze figures, and the central inkwell. The presence of the original interior components (ink cup) has not been confirmed.
Keywords: Italian malachite inkwell, 19th-century inkwell, gilded bronze inkwell, gilded bronze desk accessory, Cupid and mermaid, mythological inkwell, Italian Grand Tour, malachite and bronze, Neoclassicism, antique writing accessories, luxury desk ornament, Italian decorative arts, objects of virtue, Florin Antiques.
This elegant and original writing accessory combines the richness of ornamental stone with the refined craftsmanship of Italian bronze artisans, reflecting the fascination with classical mythology characteristic of the “Grand Tour” tradition and the Neoclassical revival.
An enchanting mythological composition
The inkwell stands out for its charming sculptural arrangement, featuring a mischievous Cupid (putto) and a mermaid, both in pursuit of a precious pearl.
The pearl is ingeniously represented by a small, polished malachite sphere, adding a delightful narrative touch and creating a harmonious link between the sculpted figures and the luxurious stone base.
The composition blends the themes of love, beauty, the sea, and the quest for precious treasures, evoking the allegorical and imaginative language of classical European decorative arts.
A small central inkwell, or ornamental urn, completes the ensemble, providing an elegant focal point between the figures.
The luxurious combination of malachite and gilded bronze
The rectangular base is crafted from natural malachite, prized for its exceptional green coloration and characteristic swirling patterns.
The stone’s rich green hues contrast beautifully with the warm, gilded surfaces of the finely modeled gilt bronze figures, creating a sophisticated interplay of colors, textures, and materials.
In the 19th century, malachite was highly prized in the luxury decorative arts in Europe and frequently incorporated into prestigious desk accessories, clocks, candelabras, and ornamental objects.
The gilded bronze figures showcase the artistic appeal of Italian metalwork, thanks to their expressive forms and meticulously crafted details.
Italian Craftsmanship of the “Grand Tour”
Dating from the late 19th century, this inkwell reflects the refined decorative taste associated with Italian “Grand Tour” objects and the revival of classical and mythological subjects. Italian workshops produced a wide variety of sculpted desk accessories and luxury decorative objects intended for aristocratic residences and international collectors, often combining richly colored ornamental stones with gilded bronze.
This piece stands out for its original subject matter, the sophistication of its materials, and the charming dynamism that animates it.
A refined collector’s piece
Measuring 30 × 17 × 17 cm, this inkwell has a remarkable decorative presence while retaining the intimate proportions of an elegant writing accessory.
It would make a magnificent addition to an antique desk, a library, a cabinet of curiosities, or a refined classical interior.
A late 19th-century Italian inkwell made of malachite and gilded bronze (ormolu), a one-of-a-kind piece highly prized by collectors, combining precious materials, classical mythology, and the timeless elegance of Italian decorative craftsmanship.
Origin
Italy
Period
Late 19th century, circa 1870–1900
Style
Grand Tour / Neoclassicism
Materials
Natural malachite and gilded bronze (gilded bronze)
Subject
Cupid and a mermaid chasing a pearl, represented by a malachite sphere
Dimensions
Width: 30 cm
Height: 17 cm
Depth: 17 cm
Condition
Condition consistent with the age and use of the piece. Please examine the photographs carefully to assess the condition of the malachite base, the gilded bronze figures, and the central inkwell. The presence of the original interior components (ink cup) has not been confirmed.
Keywords: Italian malachite inkwell, 19th-century inkwell, gilded bronze inkwell, gilded bronze desk accessory, Cupid and mermaid, mythological inkwell, Italian Grand Tour, malachite and bronze, Neoclassicism, antique writing accessories, luxury desk ornament, Italian decorative arts, objects of virtue, Florin Antiques.
2 250 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Rome and Antic Greece
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Semi precious stone
Reference (ID): 1834969
Availability: In stock
Print
