{"product_id":"louis-xv-style-wood-inkstand-encrier-gilt-metal-mounts-pen-trays-no-inkwells","title":"Louis XV Style Wood Inkstand Encrier, Gilt Metal Mounts, No Inkwells","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large wooden desk inkstand with gilt metal mounts in the Louis XV (Rococo) taste. The rectangular top has two long carved pen trays, an ornate cast collar for an inkwell at one end, and a raised round metal mount in the center. A pierced gilt gallery runs around the top edge, with a molded leaf border below it. Two large cast handles of scrolling foliage sit at the ends, and the stand rests on four scrolled acanthus feet. The warm orange-brown wood against the gilt mounts gives it strong presence on a writing desk, library table or study shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a desk inkstand of the type the French call an encrier. Stands of this design were popular in France in the second half of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, with gilt mounts in the Louis XV (Rococo) taste. They usually held two gilt inkwells with glass liners at either end, a central piece such as a table bell, candleholder or small figure, and pen trays in front. This one is unmarked. The mounts are fixed with slotted screws, and the underside shows counterbored screw holes for each fitting. The holes at the end opposite the collar mirror its mount, which suggests it was made with two inkwells. There is a small blank paper label on the underside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSold as is and incomplete: the glass inkwells, the second inkwell collar and the fitting for the center mount are missing, and several open screw holes remain on the top. The wood has scratches, scuffs, small marks and areas of finish wear and discoloration, and there is a fine line along the grain at the left end of the top. The gilt mounts show wear and darkening, with some green verdigris on the handles. Both handles, all four feet and the gallery are present. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt measures 16.2 inches long including the handles, 10.2 inches wide and 2.8 inches high (L x W x H). It weighs 4 lb 8.9 oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60785472340254,"sku":"BA-1647","price":139.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-10-31at22.09.32_1.jpg?v=1793527762","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/louis-xv-style-wood-inkstand-encrier-gilt-metal-mounts-pen-trays-no-inkwells","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}