IN THE MUSEUMS
Inkstand and its two paperweights
Louis XIV era
Exceptionally rare inkstand made of chiselled, gilded bronze, with its implements (inkpot, powder holder, sponge box) and its two rectangular paperweights.
Provenance: Galerie Kraemer, 1975
J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.
The tray is rectangular, with convex, rounded edges and bow-shaped, patterned sides.
It rests on four lion-clawed feet on each of the four angles. The elevated edges feature small mouldings and fluted patterns; they are adorned with a frieze that runs all around the piece. It is composed of small, alternating cabochons and pearls which are framed by intertwining patterns. The elaborate inkpots are baluster-shaped and feature gadrooning of varying sizes. The plating on the tray is made up of gold leaf covered with ground gold.
