Writing Desk with Inkwells, Ca. 1900

This lovely vintage piece is a calamine writing set with two inkpots, made in France in the early 1900s. It is a charming desk utensil whose sculptural condition turns it into an artistic piece, full of personality and highly decorative. The set is composed of an only piece and has a base with two inkpots, each one with their corresponding lid. It is adorned by a great figure depicting a lion. This article is in very good condition, with no broken or missing parts. It is undoubtedly a highly decorative piece and an interesting antique too.Writing sets usually include different writing utensils and accessories such as inkpots, pens, absorbent paper, etc. This particular piece is made of calamine, a mineral mixture commonly used to make fake metal items. It is a very malleable material that can be easily molded, providing a high-definition finish. In this occasion, the writing set boasts a lot of embossed motives, moldings and volutes that turn it into a beautiful piece.The lion figure that stands out over the rest of the piece is harmonious and balanced. The superb animal shows off a natural pose, walking slowly and lifting its head majestically. Its body is carefully molded in order to show the muscles under the skin, the fur and the thick hair. The feline opens its jaws in a relaxed but threatening expression. It stands between the two inkpots, both decorated with vegetal-inspired moldings and volutes. The four-legged base bears this romantic decoration too.This fine antique writing set will look great on an elegant desk, being a very decorative piece and an attractive accessory for any lover of ancient calligraphy.Measurements: Width: 270 mm/10.6 in. Height: 190 mm/7.4 in.