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Empire-Style Inkstand
| Materials: | Gilt bronze, Marble |
|---|---|
| Era: | Napoléon III 1852 - 1870 (Second Empire) |
| Period: | XIXe siècle |
| Provenance: | French |
- Restored to original condition with original appearance.
- Perfect authenticity, without modification.
- Original gilding.
- Certificate of authenticity, invoice.
Height: 18 cm
Width: 39 cm
Depth: 18 cm
Description
A magnificent Empire-style inkstand, crafted during the Second Empire, circa 1860, distinguished by its imposing proportions, the nobility of its materials and the richness of its finely chased and gilt-bronze ornamentation. Its majestic architectural design combines a substantial sea-green marble platform, with striking contrasting veining, and a sumptuous arrangement of gilt bronzes, whose luminous finish elegantly accentuates the rigorously balanced composition. Inspired by the decorative vocabulary of the Imperial period, this prestigious piece reflects the nineteenth-century taste for monumental desk accessories, combining functionality, refinement and the representation of power.
Resting on gilt-bronze feet, the rectangular sea-green marble platform features edges highlighted by a moulded frieze in chased bronze, while its sides are adorned with rich symmetrical mounts decorated with palmettes, scrolling foliage and rosettes. At the centre of the upper surface, a raised pedestal, also in marble, supports a sculptural composition dominated by a bowl embellished with raised floral decoration. It stands on a finely fluted foot and is flanked by two swans with outstretched wings, their plumage meticulously chased. At either end of the platform, two circular gilt-bronze inkwells are fitted with domed lids topped by pinecone-shaped finials, concealing their inner glass receptacles. Their gadrooned bodies, beaded borders and ornamented bases harmonise with the decorative motifs of the platform, creating an ensemble of remarkable aesthetic coherence.
The striking contrast between the deep green of the veined marble and the luminous gilding gives this inkstand an exceptional decorative presence. The interplay of volumes, the superimposition of levels and the symmetry of the composition create an architectural silhouette that is both powerful and elegant. The abundance of sculpted details, from the swans with outstretched wings to the floral garlands, gadrooning and finely chased friezes, reveals particularly meticulous workmanship. Far more than a simple desk accessory, this piece is a true object of prestige, intended to enhance a study, library or distinguished interior. Its generous proportions, noble materials and richly ornamented decoration make it a particularly appealing collector's piece for enthusiasts of gilt bronzes and decorative arts of the Second Empire.
Questions
Easily pay for your purchases using our highly protected bank card system with SSL certificate and 256 bit encryption, ensuring confidentiality when any information is transferred. On a web browser, the OVH SSL certificate activates the HTTPS protocol and displays a padlock in the navigation bar. This shows that any transaction is encrypted and confidential, and that your website address has been authenticated.
Our items mainly stem from the inheritance of objects, preciously looked after over numerous generations. There is a stringent selection process for each object ensuring perfect authenticity and the optimal amount of gilding
We do not use the term “Restoration”, which implies a significant transformation or major repair that modifies an object’s authenticity or original appearance. Each object is completely dismantled, then thoroughly cleaned part by part; our cleaning technique restores shine without adversely affecting the gold. We then put the clock back together, returning all the various parts to their origin location, as well as all the nuts and screws. Subsequently, the item is inspected to ensure it is perfectly even, symmetrical, and smooth, etc.
The clock’s movement undergoes a complete overhaul; it is totally dismantled, cleaned and each individual part is polished. The duration of this procedure affects the shine: we prefer to obtain a brilliant shine, in keeping with the gilding of the object. To increase the strength and quality of the gears, we apply a very important procedure, known as bouchonnage, to correct for wear accumulated over years of operation, consisting in the placing cork of stoppers in any pivot holes that have become deformed by wear. After the clock has been completely reassembled, it is tested over a long period of time to ensure that the movement, as well as the hour and half-hour strikes, are operating correctly.
- Akzeptierte Kreditkarten: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover und Diners Club.
- Bank transfer: You can also send us a copy of the bank transfer order to speed up the processing of your order.
Upon dispatch of your order, you will be sent a parcel tracking number by email.
Delivery anywhere in the world.
France: - Clocks: 3 days preparation work + 2 days for delivery - Total: 5 business days - Decorative objects: 1 days preparation work + 2 days for delivery - Total: 3 business days
Europe - Clocks: 3 days preparation work + 3 days for delivery - Total: 6 business days - Decorative objects: 1 day preparation work + 3 days for delivery - Total: 6 business days
Other countries - Clocks: 3 days preparation work + 3-8 days for delivery - Decorative objects: 1 days preparation work + 3-8 days for delivery
Easily pay for your purchases using our highly protected bank card system with SSL certificate and 256 bit encryption, ensuring confidentiality when any information is transferred. On a web browser, the OVH SSL certificate activates the HTTPS protocol and displays a padlock in the navigation bar. This shows that any transaction is encrypted and confidential, and that your website address has been authenticated.
You will receive—by email and a paper version—an explanatory document containing all the necessary instructions and recommendations for operating your clock. We also provide assistance over the phone to guide you through the start-up procedure. Of course, we will continue to be available—by both telephone and email—to answer any questions you may have. For calls in German or English, please make an appointment first via email, providing us with your telephone number, and the date and time you wish to contact us. Contact.
- Click on the button “add to basket” to add an object. - Once you have finished your order, click on “view contents of basket” located at the bottom of the screen or on small the “shopping trolley” icon at the top right. - click “Complete my order” or “order” - Fill in the invoicing address details, you also have the possibility to send the parcel to a different address. - Select the payment method - To confirm your order, click “order now”
By email, you will be sent: - confirmation of your order & payment - Parcel tracking information
Every purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity and an invoice
High quality certificate of authenticity printed on photo paper with text and photos providing all the information concerning your object. Detailed invoice indicating the price paid for the object.
