Gien Earthenware Inkwell With A Silver-plated Metal Frame – 19th Century

Gien earthenware desk inkwell with a polychrome decoration of flowers and leafy scrolls, set in a large ornamental silver-plated metal mount, dating from the second half of the 19th century.

The circular, slightly domed earthenware reservoir features a Renaissance-inspired floral design in vivid colors—a blend of blue, yellow, green, and red—on a white background. It bears the Gien factory mark on the reverse.

The piece rests on a richly crafted silver-plated metal base, consisting of animal-shaped feet and two side posts adorned with foliage and flowers in relief. These support an openwork upper finial, decorated with volutes and plant motifs in the Neo-Renaissance style.

The circular silver-plated lid, finely chased with radiating motifs and foliage, is held in place by a small chain attached to the upper crossbar.

A penholder with a red and black handle rests across the side supports, completing this original composition.

This inkwell reflects the historicist taste of the second half of the 19th century, combining the work of the great French earthenware manufacturers with decorative metal mounts.

A desk accessory with a distinctly decorative character, captivating for the originality of its construction, the richness of its ornamentation, and the combination of polychrome earthenware and silver-plated metal.

Period: second half of the 19th century, circa 1870–1890.

Shipping: 14 euros within France, 25 euros within the EU, and 80 euros to the rest of the world.