Antique Italian Renaissance Majolica Double Inkwell

Description

A beautifully and skillfully hand-crafted and painted majolica desk stand, finished in Italian Renaissance taste, in impressive sculptural form, prominently … more A beautifully and skillfully hand-crafted and painted majolica desk stand, finished in Italian Renaissance taste, in impressive sculptural form, prominently featuring a pair of exceptionally sculpted mythical beast winged griffon dragons resting upon thrones in sphinx style, opposite facing and flanking a central bulbous shaped vase form candlestick or pen holder, mounted over a rectangular platform plinth base featuring two inkwells fitted with removable lobbed mushroom shaped ink pots, a lovely shell form base protrudes forward, all rising on four claw feet. Signed, underfoot, an inverted V within a shield, and 1588 marked in blue.

Incredible polychrome decoration, rich, bold and brilliant, showcasing enchanting hues of mandarin, tangerine, lime green, cobalt, sky blue, lavender, bisque, and forest green to produce a vibrant, elaborate, eye-catching display.

Dimensions: (approx)
6" High, 10.5" Wide, 4" Deep

Overall in very good condition. Nicely aged patina, with warm, lustrous sheen. Solid, sturdy and stable. Wear and tear commensurate with age and use, including evidence of past repairs to one of the inkwells, minor imperfections and light wear to the ceramic with minor areas of loss to the painted finish throughout, including some scattered chips, which are minor in nature, and do not detract from the overall display, but only add to the antique character and whimsical charm. less