A finely cast 19th-century French gilt bronze inkwell and pen stand, stamped “CT LUDWANG” to the underside. The inkwell is modeled with extraordinary naturalistic detail, featuring two birds perched tenderly together above a lotus blossom inkwell, flanked by twin leaf-form pen trays. The base is adorned with scrolling rocaille and foliate motifs, all richly finished in original gilding.
The composition, blending romantic symbolism with naturalistic design, reflects the decorative tastes of the mid-to-late 19th century in France, when writing instruments were not only functional but also objets d’art displayed prominently on a gentleman’s desk. The birds, representing fidelity and affection, make this a particularly charming example.
The impressed stamp “CT LUDWANG” is associated with a Parisian foundry known for producing quality decorative bronzes during the second half of the 19th century. Their works often combined utility with sculptural flair, appealing to both bourgeois households and collectors of fine desk accessories.
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Details
• Origin: France, mid-to-late 19th century (c. 1860–1880)
• Maker: Stamped CT LUDWANG (French foundry)
• Material: Gilt bronze (ormolu)
• Function: Inkwell with central lotus cup and two pen trays]
• Condition: Very good antique condition; gilding with light, expected weaR
A finely cast 19th-century French gilt bronze inkwell and pen stand, stamped “CT LUDWANG” to the underside. The inkwell is modeled with extraordinary naturalistic detail, featuring two birds perched tenderly together above a lotus blossom inkwell, flanked by twin leaf-form pen trays. The base is adorned with scrolling rocaille and foliate motifs, all richly finished in original gilding.
The composition, blending romantic symbolism with naturalistic design, reflects the decorative tastes of the mid-to-late 19th century in France, when writing instruments were not only functional but also objets d’art displayed prominently on a gentleman’s desk. The birds, representing fidelity and affection, make this a particularly charming example.
The impressed stamp “CT LUDWANG” is associated with a Parisian foundry known for producing quality decorative bronzes during the second half of the 19th century. Their works often combined utility with sculptural flair, appealing to both bourgeois households and collectors of fine desk accessories.
⸻
Details
• Origin: France, mid-to-late 19th century (c. 1860–1880)
• Maker: Stamped CT LUDWANG (French foundry)
• Material: Gilt bronze (ormolu)
• Function: Inkwell with central lotus cup and two pen trays]
• Condition: Very good antique condition; gilding with light, expected weaR