Documented in archives at the Sèvres National Porcelain Manufactory
Documented in the Sèvres National Porcelain Manufactory archives.
Sèvres National Porcelain Manufactory
Sèvres porcelain, French hard-paste, or true, porcelain as well as soft-paste porcelain (a porcellaneous material rather than true porcelain) made at the royal factory (now the national porcelain factory) of Sèvres, near Versailles, from 1756 until the present; the industry was located earlier at Vincennes
This drawing excerpt exhibits several different inkwell models that were produced. The BLUE highlights document the Arbeotique inkwell.
[The depicted document excerpts are located at:
Sèvres National Porcelain Manufactory History
“The archives are organized according to workshop or department, providing information on the elaboration and history of Sèvres' productions, as well as their administrative, financial and artistic aspects. The importance of these archives has always been recognized.
During the French Revolution (1789-1799), the scientific documents were locked within a cabinet for their protection. Soon afterwards, Alexandre Brongniart (Director of the Manufacture from 1800 to 1847) established a classification system for all library and archival documents (graphic arts, models and moulds). For their proper inventorying, he created a new post, that of Collections Curator, first occupied by Denis Désiré Riocreux from 1812 to 1870.
The first summary inventory concerning only archival documents was published by Emile Bourgeois in 1906. Since 2010, it has been complemented by the Museum’s archives and continually updated (see the online archival inventories).
Numerous archival summaries are made available, rendering the information more rapidly accessible via the consultation room documentation.”
Source: https://Sevresciteceramique.fr
The image of original Sevres factory documentation, depicted above, notes “Ecritoire ronde à compartinent“ or round inkwell with compartment. Internally, this example is partitioned in two levels. ostensibly to reduce ink spills.
Dimensions: Height 3.8cm/1.5in Width 6cm /2.4in
Note that the embellishment in gold of two words, “Ecritoire arbeotique”.
The mark is consistent with manufacture production from 1814-1824 , and the date may be 21.
The mark is consistent with manufacture production from 1814-1824 Source: https://www.sevresciteceramique.fr/media/marques-sevres.pdf
Validation of a piece according to the Sèvres manufactory…
The hallmark on both of the depicted inkwells conforms to the documented hallmark for the the year produced, however; incomplete or inadequate firing of the the outer glaze containing the hallmark on the base of each inkwell is not the rich blue expected. Validation under microscopic examination revealed the inadequate firing results.
The Sèvres factory preserved historic documentation that validates the shape of this type of inkwell and the internal compartmentalization is mentioned. Finally, the ‘ecritoire arbeotique’ inkwell is documented in the historic documents.
According to the Sèvres manufactory, validation of a piece should not depend solely on the hallmark.
“The presence of the word “Sèvres” on the back of a ceramic object does not necessarily mean that it was made at the National Manufactory. Indeed, a certain number of private workshops have been set up in the town of Sèvres and have been able to legally benefit from all the magic evoked by this prestigious name.
These marks therefore do no constitute the only authentication criteria for Sèvres’ production, which has ever been extensively imitated; other determining factors are the quality of the paste and enamel, the purity of the gold, the forms and motifs, and the finesse and skill of their execution.
Before looking at the easily falsified manufacture marks, one must carefully examine all aspects of the piece of porcelain in question.”
Source:
Validation of a Sèvres Ceramic Object
Image Notes & Observations:
The microscopic views of the hallmark reveal several notable observations:
1. The hallmark crossed L’s were incised into the paste.
2. The hallmark was brushed onto the base, however; the consistency may have contained inadequate water, resulting in missing segments.
3. The final firing processing only partially fused the hallmark to the glaze, resulting in proper general design without detail.
4. Observation of the classic Sèvres blue is present in fused particles over the entire hallmark.
The image on the left is the hallmark under magnification, while the image to the right is exhibited at higher magnification, revealing the textures observed.
Each of the inkwells are hallmarked with a similar technique, appearing under magnification to be an over-glaze mark fired onto the base.
Exhibited is another of the Sevres round, compartmented inkwell. This later edition was produced in 1830.
Rarely found, artfully executed inkwell system.
Louis-Honore Boquet produced the inkwell. The bell and mechanism is attributed to Jean-Baptiste Pelletier and Pierre Glor, patented on April 19, 1844.
This Encrier a Pompe is extremely rare.
Rarely found, artfully executed inkwell system.
Louis-Honore Boquet produced the inkwell. The bell and mechanism is attributed to Jean-Baptiste Pelletier and Pierre Glor, patented on April 19, 1844.
This Encrier a Pompe is extremely rare.
Source: Thanks to Philippe Schilovitz, Master Restorer at A l'encrier voyageur à Paris
In fine, original condition.
The bell mechanism atop is depicted as components are dismantled.
The Bell is blued, painted, or patinated with a pattern.
The Bell gong mechanism is untouched, i.e., in unrestored condition.
Each side view of the Bell gong mechanism exhibits how the springs are attached to the supporting frame and how the mechanism operates.
Early 19th Century set equipped with Mallat nib.
The set contains pen and other accessories. This model is configured to operate as a microscope.
Perry & Co. Double Patent “Perryian” Filter-Inkstand.
The cistern is decorated with polychrome floral sprays in gilt-bordered cartouches on a dark blue background.
The Ink was filtered as it was pumped from the cistern into the covered conical dipping well. The pump action occurs by raising and lowering the lid. Circa 1840. 100mm or 4 inches in height.
Perry & Co. Double Patent “Perryian” Filter-Inkstand.
The cistern is decorated with polychrome floral sprays in gilt-bordered cartouches on a dark blue background.
The Ink was filtered as it was pumped from the cistern into the covered conical dipping well. The pump action occurs by raising and lowering the lid. Circa 1840. 100mm or 4 inches in height.
Manufactured by Doulton Lambeth, The Isobath Patent Reservoir Inkstand was produced primarily in the late 1880s into the early 1890s.
The inkwell was manufactured for DeLaRue & Co., however the Doulton factory produced these inkstands in very small quantities.
The dipping well is relatively small in comparison the size of this inkwell. Despite the size, it can accommodate even the largest nibs.
Upon removing the lid, one finds the ingenious hemispherical shaped rubber mechanism used to maintain a constant ink level. Designed by William Thomas Shaw for which he was awarded a Patent on the 15th December 1888.
Doulton items usually have factory marks, but they are often signed by the talented artists who hand-decorated them. The inkwell is marked “Manufactured for” and “Patented Reservoir Inkstand, London. THE ISOBATH, THOS. DELARUE” and marked “DOULTON LAMBETH”.
The incised monogram 'EP' on the base, indicates that this inkstand was decorated by artist Emily Partington. Sisters Hannah and Florence Barlow and Eliza Simmance were other artists whose signatures are found on these rarities. The original design was created by John Huskinson, a designer at the Lambeth factory.
New York patented by Emry Davis on 14 February 1893, Letters Patent number 491,640. Subsequent patents for improvements October 22, 1889 . Art Nouveau design consisting of dore bronze with cut and copper wheel engraved crystal. The theme includes butterflies among foliage.
This example is a rare early dual inkwell version. Later examples are typically single inkwells associated with later patents awards in 1899, 1902, and 1907.
The 1889 patent drawing.
The 1893 patent drawing.
The entire automatic inkwell system is fabricated of Goodyear patent vulcanized hard rubber.
Dual colors enabled a writer to quickly distinguish ink color choices. Earliest patent date is 1893.
Example of the top of later Davis inkwell with patent dates
Example of the top of later Davis inkwell with patent dates (from the collection).
Samuel Silliman founded Silliman & Co. Samuel Silliman was a joiner from Chester, Connecticut. In 1831 he established a factory where he made lamp brackets, mallets, rulers, spool stands, sandboxes, and inkwells. After merging with a number of partners in 1832, the business became known as S. Silliman & Co. The penner, depicted in the center, has a carved mother-of-pearl button inlaid in its top and is further illustrated below.
Affixed to the bottom
Depicted is the School model of the Silliman inkstand.
The penner is attributed to Silliman because the inkstand, when detached and viewed separately, is consistent with Silliman rosewood travel inkstands. The dimensions of the rosewood penner are as follows: 1.00 in/2.5cm diameter - 8.125 in/20.6cm height.
Penner inkwell section top button.
The travel inkwell was particularly popular during the Civil War. Silliman designed their portable inkwells so that the ink would not freeze. 1.125in/2.8cm diameter,
18th Century Georgian 18k gold mounted on agate etui, of quiver form, the openwork gold mounts chased with scrolls and flowers, banded grey agate panels, enclosing personal tools.
SIZE
Height: 9.7cm
Width: 3.8 x 1.5cm
Weight: 98g
London, England
Porte Crayon, Ivory 2-leaf Note Pad, Stylus, Scissors, Needle, Knife
Thomas Ribright the elder, 1720 - 1781, was a skilled optician and a respected member of the Spectacle-Makers' Company. In fact, he even held the prestigious position of being the master of the company from 1758 to 1760.
Thomas Ribright began his journey as an apprentice under Thomas III Sterrop, gaining valuable knowledge and expertise in the field. Throughout his career, Ribright trained eight apprentices of his own and was succeeded by his son, George Ribright. His reputation as an optician was further solidified by his formal appointments as an instrument maker to the Prince of Wales and to the Office of the Ordnance.
A notable achievement of Thomas Ribright was the patenting of an elegant compendium of drawing and optical instruments in 1749 under Patent No 649, being described as 'An entirely new method of making small perspective glasses with mathematical & other instruments and tweezers in one and the same case, both with and without Microscopes or Magnifying Glasses therein, in a very portable, neat, & ornamental manner...' The depicted example is one of those 'with microscope'.
This invention showcased his ingenuity and commitment to advancing the field of optics. Thomas Ribright the elder's contributions to the field of opticianry, his prestigious appointments, and his innovative inventions made him a respected figure in his time.
The cylindrical tube covered with black leather, an eyepiece at the section with adjustable cover, a lens mounted at each end with sliding cover (operated by a lever), the cylindrical case with lid opening up to reveal the interior case and instruments within.
In addition to ivory 2-leaf note pad, knife, scissors, and combination tool, the included gold pen / porte crayon holder is equipped with period Gold Pen nib.
Length 10.5cm
Third Quarter 18th Century
Maison Alphonse Giroux was founded in 1799 by the talented François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux, who was not only an art restorer and cabinet maker but also had the esteemed position of being one of the official restorers for the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral. The business was located at 7, Rue du Coq-Saint-Honoré in the vibrant city of Paris. Initially, they focused on selling artist's supplies and showcasing the exquisite products of Giroux's cabinetmaking skills.
His sons, André and Alphonse-Gustave joined the business in 1834. Upon the retirement of Francois-Simon-Alphonse Giroux in 1838, his eldest son, Alphonse-Gustave Giroux, took over the business as named ‘Alphonse Giroux et Cie’. Under his control, the business gained further acclaim for the quality of their work and merchandise, winning a silver medal at the 1839 Exposition des Produits de L’industrie Française.
In 1839, Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre, inventor of the Daguerrotype photographic process and its associated camera, signed one of two exclusive contracts with Alphonse-Gustave Giroux (his brother-in-law), to manufacture and retail the camera through his business.
In 1857, the business moved to 43 Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, their exclusive dual aspect department store, extending to the adjacent Rue Neuve des Capucines 24.
The business was taken over by Duvinage and Harinckouk in 1867.
François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux, born on 6th April 1776 in Paris and passed away on 1st May 1848 in Paris, was a talented French art restorer and ébéniste or cabinet maker.
Giroux had the privilege of studying painting under the renowned Jacques-Louis David. Towards the end of the 18th century, he established his own art restoration business, which would later become quite illustrious. Notably, Giroux held the esteemed position of being the official restorer of the Notre Dame Cathedral, showcasing his exceptional skills.
In addition to his restoration work, Giroux had a discerning eye for art and actively collected and exhibited works by notable artists such as Louis Daguerre, Charles Marie Bouton, Charles Arrowsmith, Charles Renoux, and many others. His business extended beyond restoration, as Giroux's team also crafted and sold furniture in various captivating styles, catering not only to the French royal family but also to other distinguished patrons.
Overall, François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux's passion for art restoration, his keen eye for collecting exceptional artworks, and his talent for furniture making made him a prominent figure in the art world of his time.
In June 1833, the esteemed company Alph. Giroux & Cie. played a pivotal role in introducing the Phénakisticope to France. This animation device was one of the earliest of its kind and had been invented almost simultaneously in Belgium and Austria. Giroux & Cie. not only brought the device to the French audience but also gave it a name that would become widely recognized. Their chosen name, 'phenakistiscope', was eventually adopted in England and underwent a slight misspelling as 'phenakistoscope'.
Giroux & Cie. is also renowned for their involvement in constructing the daguerreotype cameras designed by Louis Daguerre himself. These cameras were groundbreaking as they were the world's first commercially manufactured photographic cameras. One of the mass-produced daguerreotype camera cabinets, crafted by Giroux & Cie., was even displayed at the prestigious 1839 Exposition des produits de l'industrie française held in Paris. Although the camera did not win an award, Alph. Giroux did receive a silver medal for their exquisite jewelry box.
Overall, Alph. Giroux & Cie.'s contributions to the world of technology and photography through their introduction of the Phénakisticope and involvement in manufacturing daguerreotype cameras solidify their reputation as innovators and pioneers in the industry..
Pique is a captivating artistic technique that involves the skillful inlaying of gold or silver into beautiful materials like tortoiseshell, as well as occasionally ivory or mother-of-pearl. It's a remarkable way to create intricate and dazzling designs that truly catch the eye.
The Gold Pen nib is Ladd & Miller No. 3.
Finely engraved seal matrix.
Maison Alph.Giroux at 43 Boulevart des Capucines - Papeterie, Object d’Art
1799-1820 French Penner.
Stylish paper label marked ALPH | GIROUX, Rue du Coq St Honoré, No. 7
Glass inkwell, carved double-ended quill holder, and two period quills..Black paper lining.
Fox and Geese is a simple strategy game for two players, where the fox attempts to eliminate the geese, while they try to trap him. It became popular in Britain in the Medieval period, probably having evolved from earlier northern European chase games, and remained popular with the Tudors. The game originally used 15 hens and 1 fox.
By the mid-nineteenth century, this game board had morphed into Jeu d'Assaut or Jeu de la Citadelle, the game of Assault or Citadel. Played with 24 pawns of one color and 2 pawns of another color.
Multiple hardwood inlays on fine walnut,
The original Giroux & Co. label on the back.
Detail of the various woods and inlay method.
Maison Giroux at 7, Rue du Coq-St Honoré
Tahan (Pierre-Lambert Tahan and Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan): 29 Rue Quincampoix, Paris – 10 Rue Basse-du-Rempart, Paris – 161 Rue Saint-Martin, Paris – 30 & 34 Rue de la Paix, Paris – 11 Boulevard des Italiens, Paris.
Business established: c.1806 – 1882.
Tahan work became renown for quality.
Napoleon 3 period. Elm burl, ebony, finely chiseled bronze inlay in the form of a small handled box, the top flaps opening to reveal pen - pencil trays and two crystal inkwells with bronze repousse caps, Additional storage is found in a drawer to the base. Tahan post 1855 label. 25 cm x 15cm x 12 cm.
Detail view of the workmanship.
Detail view of the workmanship.
A drawer in the base provides additional storage.
Opens to pen / pencil storage, inkwells and space for seals, etc.
Spinach jade letter opener. The gold & enamel embellished French pen with 18k Bramah nib clamp is from the John C. Loring collection.
John’s daughter Katherine reflected while conversing about this pen that he always had this pen displayed as one of his favorites.
Note the highly engraved hinge plates.
Auguste Klein, a renowned goldsmith from Austria, established a presence in Paris during the late 1860s. One of his notable shops, located at 6, boulevard des Capucines, opened in 1869 and offered a wide selection of leather goods and bronzes. Klein catered to affluent clientele, including wealthy European and Russian collectors.
Each item is 14k gold in fine condition. The motif is the French fleur de li.
The case is fine floral silk case exterior with a burgundy silk interior marked Auguste Klein, 6. Bvard Des Capucines .6, Paris.
Included is quill pen, page turner or letter slitter, quill knife, and multi-tool, The sceau or seal is missing.
Notably, the legendary Elizabeth Taylor became a collector of his exquisite pieces, which included a basket that was later sold at Christie's in 2011 during the dispersal of a portion of her collection.
The case is constructed of wood with burgundy silk interior.
The outer case is covered with the original silk brocade.
Hallmarked and finely engraved.
Hallmarked and finely engraved.
Hallmarked and finely engraved.
The Kralik glassworks, originally founded by Josef Meyr in 1815 in Bohemia, has an interesting history. Initially known as Adolfshutte, it was located in Germany but later moved to Austria during the period of the Austrian Empire. After Josef's passing, his son Jan took over and expanded the company, eventually owning four glass factories.
Following Jan's death in 1841, his nephews Josef Taschek and Wilhelm Kralik became the new owners, and the company's name was changed to J. Meyr's Neffen. After Josef's passing in 1862, the name was further modified to J. Meyr's Neffe. In 1877, Wilhelm Kralik, one of the owners, passed away and left the company to his four sons. The company then split, with Hugo and Karl using the name Meyr's Neffe, while the remaining part became Wilhelm Kralik Sohne.
In 1922, Meyr's Neffe merged with Moser, another renowned glass company. However, Wilhelm Kralik Sohne continued producing glassware until the outbreak of World War II.
The original paper label is simply marked Austria; however, the space above may have contained additional identification information that faded.
The underside of the bronze inkwell lid contains registration numbers. The D.R.G.M. number is similar to a patent number in Austria and Germany.
Victorian era Kralik art glass base with a bronze top. Similar glass was produced by Loetz and in America by Tiffany and others.
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