This is a rare and stunning French Lavish Gilt Porcelain Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions, made by renowned French porcelain maker Jacob Petit. Last quarter of the Nineteenth Century, possibly earlier.
The main frame of shaped rectangular form raised on scrolling supports with a central clam shell decoration, on top a seated English Mastiff Dog beside twin drum shaped inkwells. Condition: Superb untouched condition with nice surface patination and very light evidence of use, original inkwells, Mark of JP in underglaze blue underneath.
Width: 9.75" (24.5cm). Depth: (at base) 6.25” (15.5cm). Height: (entire) 6.75” (17cm).
Provenance: Purchased from the estate of American Actress Ava Gardner (1992-1990) by renowned London Antiques Dealer Kenneth Neame of Mount Street, Mayfair, London.