19th Century English Victorian Mop Double Inkwell

Description

An English Victorian Japanned papier mache desk set with mother of pearl inlay and elaborate rich polychrome painted flower decoration. … more An English Victorian Japanned papier mache desk set with mother of pearl inlay and elaborate rich polychrome painted flower decoration.

The charming antique features an ebonized double inkwell, retaining the original fitted pair of square faux crystal cut glass ink containers with embellished sculpted gilt bronze hinged lids, resting atop two velvet lined bases, a concave pen try makes for easy writing instrument storage, surrounded by the curvaceous undulating scalloped raised gallery decorated with m.o.p. mosaic motif and gold-gilt scrolling floral foliate running ornamentation that adds a unique sophisticated touch, while the stepped base with three delicate mother of pearl bands inlaid adds elegance. Possibly by the renowned Jennens & Bettridge.

A wonderful addition to any desk or table, or as an artistic unique gift.


Provenance:
Acquired from the Dallas, TX estate of T. Boone Pickens (b.1928 -2019). An American business magnate, billionaire, financier and philanthropist.

J. Garrett Auctioneers had the pleasure of presenting this cabinet from the iconic Texas and Oklahoma oil tycoon, T. Boone Pickens' Dallas, Texas home and private collections of exceptional 18th and 19th Century furnishings and accessories.

The breadth of T. Boone Pickens' career is impressive. He built one of the largest independent natural gas oil companies in the United States and flourished as an entrepreneur thereafter, generating hundreds of billions of dollars in the process. Among his lengthy accolades, Time magazine has identified him one of its "100 Most Influential People", Financial World named him "CEO of the Decade" in 1989, and Oil and Gas Investor identified him as one of the "100 Most Influential People of the Petroleum Century." less