Sculptural 19th-Century Faience Inkwell w/ Heraldic Lion, Possibly by Émile Gallé - 6¾" x 14½"

This elaborate late 19th-century French faience inkwell was made at the Saint-Clément manufactory, during the period associated with Émile Gallé, although it bears no signature. Richly modeled and hand-painted, it features a magnificent lion standing over a heraldic shield, its expressive face, flowing mane and powerful paws picked out in warm ochre and brown. On either side, a miniature tower and a piece of armor cleverly incorporate the two inkwells, extending the heraldic theme. The whole composition rests on an exuberantly shaped tray with scrolling edges decorated in shades of plum, blue and yellow. A delicate riverside landscape painted into the recess provides an unexpected pastoral contrast to the commanding heraldic sculpture.

Part functional object, part decorative sculpture, this is a particularly amusing and imaginative example of 19th-century French faience. The combination of heraldic symbolism, architectural details and the lion's animated expression gives it a wonderfully eccentric personality. Its generous scale and lively decoration make it especially appealing to collectors of French ceramics, antique writing accessories or heraldic objects. Displayed on a desk, library table or among a collection of ceramics, it would be a fascinating object to discover and admire from every angle.