Objets de L'Ecriture
17th Century Ecritoire
The luminescent art decorating sleek, early Gold Pen nib equipped French
Perpetual Calendar
The addition of a perpetual calendar to the travel inkwell system was an optional
Ivory and Gold
Among the most desirable travel inkwell systems was perhaps the most fragile. Ivory with gold adornments was a writing system for the elite.
Ecriture
Research of ancient inventories documentation revealed that below 6% percent of such instruments were crafted of gold or silver.
17th Century
17th Century Ecritoire
Baradelle Ecritoire in ebony adorned with egg tempera embellished with gold accents.
Solid Gold Highlights
The use of gold for highlights on this instrument represents the high quality within.
Gold Adorned Ebony
The Baradelle is constructed primarity of ebony.
Four Section Construction
The four section construction may be common to earlier production. Many of this type of ecriture equipment are 5, 6, or even 7 section construction.
Pen Assembly
The Gold Pen nib section can be lengthened by mounting the top cover cap for a finished presentation.
Luminescent Painting
Egg Tempera with a gold foil base layer, providing spectacular luminescence.
View of Gold Foil
The egg tempera over gold foil produces a luminescence found in early artwork.
Gold Pen nib
The gold tubular nib is exhibited with several photos from a microscope.
18th Century
Vernis Martin
The evolution of the travel inkwell systems in France and Europe began with an ability to trasport an inkwell for use with a Quill nib. Created of ebony and gold the paintwork, Vernis Martin, exhibits fabulous scenes of culture and costumery.
Vernis Martin is a term commonly used to describe French lacquer from the 18th century, particularly associated with the Martin Brothers.
The Martin family, including Guillaume as the eldest brother, established a lacquer workshop in Paris around 1710. In their pursuit to compete with lacquer work from China and Japan, they developed a cost-effective imitation of copal-based lacquer around 1728.
This new technique allowed for the decoration of furniture and lacquer panels in a less brittle and more elastic finish, making it suitable for curved surfaces as well. As a result, Vernis Martin became highly popular, bringing harmony to furniture with intricate curvature that could not be easily achieved with traditional lacquer techniques.
Tortoiseshell
Embellished with delicate tortoiseshell for the quill transport this item is a 3 piece construction.
The Vernis Martin lacquer featured a beautiful warm-toned shade, achieved by incorporating reddish bronze and gold powder into the lacquer mixture.
This unique lacquer application involved multiple layers, starting with a green underpainting, followed by a red coat and gold leaf. Although the exact production process remains a mystery,
it is believed that the lacquer was created by heating oil and copal resin, potentially with the addition of Venetian turpentine.
Copal, a resin derived from the Protium Copal tree in South America, was a key component in the production of this exquisite lacquer.
Use of Gold
The inkwell is high karat gold, fitted within the fine grained wood inkwell section.
Guillaume and Etienne-Simon Martin, the French brothers, were inspired by the prevailing fascination with the oriental culture during their time.
They skillfully replicated the artistry of Chinese lacquer, but instead applied it to European themes. This decorative technique was employed across a wide range of objects, including fans, furniture, panels, and even coaches.
Their work gained significant acclaim and was particularly praised by influential figures like Voltaire. By offering affordable imitations of East Asian lacquerware, the Martin brothers made it possible for people to enjoy the elegance and charm of these imported pieces during the reign of Louis XV.
Gold on Ivory Writing Case
The history of French travel inkwells is continuing to be discovered.
Evolving Design
The evolution of the travel inkwell systems in France and Europe is not well documented. This item is designed to function with Gold Pen nibs or Quill nibs mounted.
Silver .950 Baradelle
The evolution of the travel inkwell systems in France and Europe includes. This item is designed to function with Gold Pen nibs or Quill nibs mounted.
Silver Baradelle
Research of early producers of gold, silver, and brass instruments kept inventories, of which approximately 5% were silver and 1% gold.
Ecriture
Ecriture Collection
At
Gold Vermeille
The collection
Our Location
Located
Instrument d'Ecriture à Calendrier Perpétuel
Our Mission
At Porte Crayons, our mission is to promote and showcase the best contemporary art from around the world. We believe in providing a platform for emerging artists and creating a welcoming space for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Our History
Founded in 1995 by art collectors John and Jane Doe, Porte Crayons has become one of the leading contemporary art galleries in the country. Over the years, we have hosted numerous exhibitions, featuring works by some of the most renowned artists of our time.
Our Collection
Our collection includes a wide range of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. We are constantly adding new pieces to our collection, and work closely with our artists to ensure that we are showcasing the best and most innovative work.