18th Century French Louis XV Period Bronze Mounted Japanesque Chinoiserie Vernis Martin Lacquered Encrier Inkwell Tray

Details

Description

A scarce nearly 300 year old Louis XV (1715-1774) period French gilt bronze ormolu mounted Japanned encrier (inkwell / inkstand … Read more A scarce nearly 300 year old Louis XV (1715-1774) period French gilt bronze ormolu mounted Japanned encrier (inkwell / inkstand desk set)

Paris, France, circa 1750, exceptionally executed in elegant and sophisticated King Louis 14th exotic far-east Japanesque / Chinoiserie oriental styling, popular at the time due to the rise in trade with China and Japan throughout the 18th century, Parisian Vernis Martin lacquer work, decorated with lavish Rocaille elements, having three inkwells fitted with glass jar inserts and ornate fiolated acorn finial covers, on a black lacquer cartouche shaped tray with roster chicken and foliage motif, raised on finely chased and chiseled pierced bronze doré scroll flourish shell feet.

A truly rare and remarkable work, delicate and luxurious, this authentic original period example is sure to elevate any desk, office, or serious collection!

Notes / Reference:
For a similarly styled comparable Louis XV gilt bronze mounted black lacquer encrier, see
- Sotheby's New York, 19th April 2012, lot 242;
- Sotheby's New York, 23rd October 2013, lot 140;
- Christie's New York, 31st March 2016, auction 3786 lot 1207, The Collection of Carroll Petrie & European Decorative Arts from the Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama, including the Eugenia Woodward Hitt Collection catalog

Dimensions: (approx)
4 x 13-3/4 x 9-3/8 inches
(10.2 x 34.9 x 23.7 cm)

Condition Report*:
Overall a superb museum quality example, in great antique condition, especially considering its approximately 275 years old.

Attractive appearance, enhanced by beautifully aged warm patina. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Minor wear commensurate with age, use, handling, such as scattered flaking to lacquer as expected with age and rubbing to bronze mounts. Unknown if glass insert inkpots are original to work, possibly associated, having typical chips to rims commensurate with use. See less