Antique French Champlevé Desk Set

Utterly romantic, this sumptuous Antique French Champlevé Ink Desk Set, capturing all the artistic mystique of the Belle Époque, was a happy market find this spring. Translating from French to mean 'raised field', champlevé is a decorative technique often compared to the more well-known cloissonné. 

With a lush refinement that is sure to honor any correspondence it may draft, the exquisite details of these bijoux appointments with their romantic cherub embellishments, were created by artfully removing metal from the surface through an engraving technique.  Distinctive channels or cavities were formed by the removal of the surface metal and then painstakingly filled with enamel until each tiny section was flush with the raised surface. Finally, colorful, glossy enamel was fused to the surface through the application of heat. Subtle alterations in the underlying substrate through the engraving process create beautiful, unique patterns within the finish, while acting as a barrier between sections of color much like the delicate wires of cloissoné.

The stunning ink well with its shapely finial rises triumphantly from the champlevé bordered base. Bathed in an intricate pattern of rich hues that seem to glow like fine stained glass, the well opens via a petite hinged lid that reveals a faceted glass liner. Set within the champlevé frame to the front of the inkwell between the cast pen rests, a charming hand painted winged cherub floats upon a creamy celeste ground with floral highlights. The accompanying hand or rocker blotter is decorated with its own pair of sweet cherubs and features a champlevé-encrusted finial knob and surface border, along with additional placement on the sides of the lower blotter paper holder.

The intricate details and exacting craftsmanship of this spectacular set with its bright jewel-toned rose, crimson, yellow, marine, turquoise and white capture the voluptuous aesthetic of its era while remaining classically timeless. Rich in storied provenance, these wonderful pieces are sure to fuel inspiration and creativity in any setting.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Set includes ink well and blotter. In very good antique condition. Ink Stand measures 4.625"W x 3"D x 3"H. Blotter measures 4.125"W x 3.25"D x 2.75"H.