Bronze Inkwell in the Form of a Grotesque Creature French C 1910

A finely cast bronze novelty inkwell in the form of a fantastical grotesque creature, produced in France during the early twentieth century.

The design reflects the wider European fascination with anthropomorphic and grotesque forms that emerged in the late nineteenth century and bears a stylistic affinity to the celebrated stoneware grotesques of the Martin Brothers, whose imaginative creations exerted a notable influence on contemporary decorative arts.

The compact figure is modelled as a bearded, hybrid creature standing on four legs with a tapering tail. Its expressive features include pointed, pixie like ears, which ingeniously function as twin pen rests, a broad smiling mouth, prominent nose, textured hair, and a distinctive beak like projection to the forehead, combining elements of folklore and fantasy with a playful sculptural sensibility.

The hinged upper section of the head opens to reveal the inkwell beneath, retaining its original removable liner manufactured from an early phenolic composite material closely related to Bakelite. The bronze displays crisp, well-defined casting with a rich, untouched surface, attesting to the quality of its manufacture.

Both sculptural and functional, the piece exemplifies the period's enthusiasm for imaginative desk accessories that combined practical utility with humour and artistic invention. It survives in excellent, original condition.

Origin: France

Date: Circa 1910

Dimensions:

Height: 6.5 cm

Width: 6.5 cm

Depth: 8 cm

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques