French Empire Inkwell, 1810

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Empire period gilt bronze and bird's eye maple veneer inkwell. This model is an exact replica of the inkwell that … Read more Empire period gilt bronze and bird's eye maple veneer inkwell. This model is an exact replica of the inkwell that belonged to Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino, sister of Napoleon I, now in the collections of the Museo Napoleonico in Rome. The design and quality of the chasing are reminiscent of the work of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). Rectangular inkwell resting on four spherical feet, with a base in bird's-eye maple veneer with black doucine and chased ormolu decoration. The front features a bas-relief of two recumbent dogs framing a swan within a stylized plant composition. The sides feature decorative friezes with winged griffins. The upper part features a symmetrical composition in gilded bronze: in the center, a perfume burner adorned with a floral openwork design is flanked by two swans, facing each other and supporting the neck, with their wings spread wide. At either end are two covered inkwell jars, topped by openwork lids with foliage motifs and stylized dolphins. The cut-glass cups are preserved. Two small tulip-shaped nib holders or sanders complete the set. A drawer on the front, with a knob adorned with a medallion encircled by two griffins, holds writing accessories. French Empire period, circa 1810. Condition: Very good. Gilding well preserved with occasional wear. All components are complete, including inner buckets. See less