French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century

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French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century

A richly ornamented French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter … Read more French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century

A richly ornamented French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter rack, dating to the late 19th century. This jewel-like desk accessory exemplifies the refinement of Limoges enamel workshops during the Belle Époque, when luxury writing table objects were both functional and decorative.

The letter rack is formed with a scalloped silhouette and stands on four paw-like gilt bronze feet, its two compartments ideal for holding correspondence or stationery. Both sides are lavishly enameled in the champlevé technique, where recesses are carved into the bronze and filled with vivid enamel pastes, then kiln-fired to create a smooth and luminous surface. The decoration features scrolling arabesques, stylized foliage, and floral sprays in a palette of turquoise, cobalt blue, green, claret red, and white, all heightened by the warmth of the gilt ground.

This type of object was a hallmark of the French decorative arts revival of the late 19th century, reflecting both Renaissance and exotic Moorish influences. Such finely worked enamels, retailed in luxury shops in Paris, were prized as symbols of taste and refinement, gracing writing desks and drawing rooms of the period.

Dimensions: 5.75" W × 4.5" D × 5" H

A superb addition for collectors of champlevé enamels, French Belle Époque objects, or refined desk furnishings. See less