Mid-18th Century Inkwells

An Encrier set with richly-veined Verde Antico marble base mounted with pair gilt-bronze inkwells flanked on either side of a Napolean bust. The marble base with pen tray rest on sh...

This antique 18th Century Dutch Delft Chinoserie plate is a captivating piece of ceramic art that reflects the outstanding craftsmanship and cultural exchange of its time. Originatin...

This pair of Dutch Delft blue and white covered jars was hand painted in the Netherlands circa 1770. Fully composed on every side, they reflect a level of planning and painterly cont...

The Netherlands Amsterdam Circa 1625 – 1650 A blue and white Dutch tile with a decoration of a Dutch soldier from the period of the 80 Years War. This soldier could be a member of t...

A very fine 18th century Dutch Delft pottery vase or jar. Of typical vasiform shape with medium and deep blue Chinoiserie landscape decoration, dot border to the top rim, and swag...

This splendid five-piece Delft garniture, made in Holland in the mid-18th century, circa 1760, captures the harmony and refinement of 18th-century Dutch faience at its height. ...

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...

Large antique Delftware lidded vase, produced in the Netherlands during the first half of the 18th century. The vessel is decorated in traditional cobalt blue on a white tin-glazed g...

The lacquer ground with a strong burgundy undertone. Well carved , colored and other wise decorated . The porcelain well in good Antique condition . Minor wear due to age and use .

This hand-painted Dutch Delft vase, made circa 1770, is a beautiful example of 18th-century tin-glazed earthenware in blue and white. Rising to more than eighteen inches, the vase ha...

The Netherlands Circa 1625 – 1650 A finely painted blue and white Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a Carnation. A highly unusual tile, as in this period, most tiles are still...

The Netherlands Gouda Workshop of W. J. Oliviers Verswaen (De Swaen) Circa 1625 - 1650 A polychrome Dutch Delft tile with the decoration of a starling identifiable by its spotted bo...