19th Century French Risler and Carre Sterling Silver Gilt Faience Inkwell Stand

Details

Description

19th century French faience inkwell desk set, risler and carre silver mounted.
5 pieces
The 95% pure silver base was … Read more 19th century French faience inkwell desk set, risler and carre silver mounted.
5 pieces
The 95% pure silver base was made by French silversmith A. Risler & Carre, Paris circa 1899. The base is hallmarked with the Minerva 1 (1st standard) 950/1000 finesse mark and the Risler & Carrè hallmark “R&C" .

The hand painted, open-work earthenware could potentially be older than the mounted silver base. The style of French Faience earthenware is very reminiscent of the styles attributed to French factory Saint Clement. The set includes the holder, two brass inkwell cups with two removable silver inserted holders. This is a very rare and unique desk set. Could have been used by an artist to hold paintbrushes and paint or ink in one cup and water to clean the brushes in the second cup. The cups could have also housed ink and sand.

It measures 10" in length, 6 1/2" in width, and 3 1/2" tall, overall. Each cup is 3 1/4" in diameter. Condition is pretty great considering age. Crazing (common for its age) is present and a few small areas on the edge of the pottery are worn/slightly chipped. Natural tarnish on the silver. See less