French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand

Exquisite French Louis XVI gilded bronze andirons or chenets with centered urn having festoons (flowers, foliage and fruit) through each side with a flame finial tops. This pair of ...

A fine quality French Art Nouveau double crystal inkwell or wooden pen holder. This French Art Nouveau desk accessory is a beautiful piece and a wo...

A remarkable intricately designed, handcrafted silver box, circa 1880s. We were told that this box is sterling silver and that the makers mark "M" is that of "M. Mayer". Maurice MAYER was a very prestigious silversmith. Research shows that he was an "Orfèvre de l'Empereur", Napoleon Bonaparte, 1860-1870. The Minerva hallmarks are not visible, may have been rubbed off from use and cleaning. No documentation. This intricately carved box depicts the romantic poem of Le Roman de la Rose (The Romance of the Rose). Comes with the original lock and key. Le Roman de la Rose, begun by Guillaume de Lorris circa 1230 and completed, in a different style, circa 1270-1280, by Jean de Meun, builds on the concept of courtly love found in the poetry of the troubadours. The authors create a complex allegory of the romance between the Lover and the Rose. In the quest to pick the Rose (to achieve the conquest of love), the flower and its attendants represent the Lady and her sentiments while being wooed. In the first part of the poem, written by de Lorris, the Lover recounts his dream, ending with the winning of a kiss from the Lady. In the dream, the Lover discovers a walled garden and gains entrance thanks to a beautiful young woman. He meets Diversion and dancers who represent courtly values such as Beauty and Generosity. A tour of the garden brings him to a beautiful bed of roses by the Fountain of Love...

Large French Bureau Plat / Bureau de Ministre in Mahogany with Gilt Bronze Mounts, Empire / Napoleon III, French Empire / Napoleon III Bureau de Ministre (Bureau Plat) in Mahogany wi...

French Empire-style (19th century) bronze dore rectangular inkwell on 4 clawed feet with relief (signed BARBEDIENNE).  

French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore rectangular inkwell on 4 clawed feet with relief (signed BARBEDIENNE)

French Victorian bronze square inkwell with 2 cornucopia pen holders. Previously broken hinge, inkwell lid is not attached

Antique French Louis 14th Bronze D'ore Inkwell, circa 1860.