Orientalist cold-painted bronze and marble inkstand

Orientalist cold-painted bronze and marble inkstand
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 21cm, width 34.5cm, depth 22.5cm
 
This unusual inkstand combines cold-painted bronze elements with a beautiful marble base. The centrepiece of the design is a figural sculpture of an Arab riding a camel. The possibilities of the cold-painting technique have been exploited to the full, with colourful red, green, and gold details illuminating the robes of the figure and tack of the camel. The underside of the camel is also stamped with the mark ‘AUSTRIA’.
 
On each edge of the base are two bronze shrubs, which each open to reveal a metal-lined inkwell, the casing of which is removable. Exceptional carving is demonstrated in these inkwells, with the lids cast in the form of broad palm leaves, and the base expertly replicating the texture of cragged stone. Between these two inkwells is a metal and ebonised wood penholder, and the excellently preserved quality of these elements make this beautiful inkstand functioning rather than purely decorative.
 
All four elements stand on top of a black marble base with pale brown and white veining, the colour palette of which matches the neutral tones of the inkwells, penholder, and sculpture. The base sits on metal feet which are spherical in shape.
 
Combining an unusual design with quality craftsmanship, this superb inkstand would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Orientalist antiques.