Franz Bergman Style 19th-Century Austrian Bronze & Coconut Camel Inkwell

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Franz Bergman Style 19th-Century Austrian Bronze & Coconut Camel Inkwell

A rare and whimsical 19th-century Austrian figural inkwell in the … Read more Franz Bergman Style 19th-Century Austrian Bronze & Coconut Camel Inkwell

A rare and whimsical 19th-century Austrian figural inkwell in the Franz Bergman style, depicting a couchant camel with its body ingeniously formed from a polished coconut shell. The meticulously cast and hand-chased bronze mounts capture the camel’s lifelike anatomy — from its textured coat and finely detailed muzzle to the folds of its legs — reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship of Vienna’s decorative arts workshops of the era.

The camel wears a decorative bridle and an ornate saddlecloth-shaped lid, enriched with engraved scrollwork and tassel motifs. This hinged lid lifts to reveal the original gilt-lined inkwell insert, intact and well-preserved. The inventive pairing of natural exotic material with finely worked bronze reflects the Orientalist fascination of the late 19th century, when artists and patrons alike were captivated by imagery of distant lands and desert caravans.

The camel, an enduring symbol of patience, endurance, and safe passage, would have been an apt and playful desk companion for a worldly collector. With its warm patina, rich material contrast, and sculptural presence, this inkwell is both a functional antique and a conversation piece.

Dimensions: 6.5" W × 7" H × 4.5" D
Condition: Excellent antique condition with light wear to patina consistent with age.
Provenance: Private European collection. See less