Description

Green Marble Base

From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this French Empire Ormolu & Marble Inkwell. The inkwell raised on a green marble plinth mounted with a decorative ormolu border. The inkwell stands in the centre shaped as a spherical ball with two ormolu swans holding the inkwell. To the front, a circular crest finishes the bronze work surmounted by an ormolu ball to lift the lid up. The inkwell contains a small ceramic well for storing your ink which can be removed to refill or clean. The Inkwell dates to the early 19th century during the French Empire period circa 1820.

French Empire was the empire ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte who established French dominance over much of continental Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. It lasted from May 1804 to May 1814 and rose again briefly from March 1815 to July 1815.

Ormolu a technique of applying ground, high-carat gold–mercury to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s.

Measurements (Inches) 5.12 High x 6.3 Wide x 3.94 Deep

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information