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This inkstand is one of the most extravagant European objects ever created in the popular Asian taste. It was retailed by Boucheron, a leading firm of jewelers and silversmiths in Paris at the end of the 19th century. Piling reference on reference, the central penholder in the shape of an archaic Chinese bronze vase is flanked by inkpots in the form of stacked porcelain bowls. Ink blotters at either end, shaped letter racks, and a concealed drawer in the base are all embellished with more than thirty different Japanese patterns in brightly colored enamels, a trademark of Boucheron’s leading designer, Paul Legrand. Witty, stylish, colorful, and beautifully made, this luxurious desk accessory appealed to an equally extravagant American buyer, Marie Louise Mackay. Her Irish-born husband, John William Mackay, known as “the silver king,” was a partner in the legendary Comstock Lode silver mines in Nevada and one of the wealthiest men in the United States.
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Inkstand
Retailed by: Frédéric Boucheron (French (Paris), 1858–present)
After: Paul Legrand (1840–1910)
Possibly made by: Crossville and Glachant (French (Paris), founded in 1861)
After: Paul Legrand (1840–1910)
Possibly made by: Crossville and Glachant (French (Paris), founded in 1861)
French (Paris)
1876
Medium/Technique
Silver, partially gilded, champlevé, basse taille, cloisonné enamel
Dimensions
23.4 x 33.6 cm (9 3/16 x 13 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds bequeathed by Genevieve Gray Young in memory of Patience Young and Patience Gray Young, Frederick Brown Fund, William E. Nickerson Fund, Otis Norcross Fund, Arthur Tracy Cabot Fund, H. E. Bolles Fund, Russell B. and Andrée Beauchamp Stearns Fund, Ernest Kahn Fund, Helen B. Sweeney Fund, and European Decorative Arts Insurance, Deaccession and Deaccession Income Funds
Accession Number2000.977.1-7
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
This inkstand is one of the most extravagant European objects ever created in the popular Asian taste. It was retailed by Boucheron, a leading firm of jewelers and silversmiths in Paris at the end of the 19th century. Piling reference on reference, the central penholder in the shape of an archaic Chinese bronze vase is flanked by inkpots in the form of stacked porcelain bowls. Ink blotters at either end, shaped letter racks, and a concealed drawer in the base are all embellished with more than thirty different Japanese patterns in brightly colored enamels, a trademark of Boucheron’s leading designer, Paul Legrand. Witty, stylish, colorful, and beautifully made, this luxurious desk accessory appealed to an equally extravagant American buyer, Marie Louise Mackay. Her Irish-born husband, John William Mackay, known as “the silver king,” was a partner in the legendary Comstock Lode silver mines in Nevada and one of the wealthiest men in the United States.
DescriptionSilver, partially gilded, decorated in champlevé, basse-taille, and cloisonné enamels, with cut out base supported on four cast turtles, enameled with geometric patterns, naturalistic scenes, and facsimile prints surrounding a sea with carp. Fitted with a drawer etched and parcel-gilt in three colors. Base supports four shaped letter racks in geometric patterns flanked by two rolling blotters topped with "shi-shi" dogs holding brocade balls. Removable central section has a vase-shaped pen holder decorated with female figures, plants, and field mice in kimonos, flanked by nesting boxes enameled in landscape and geometric motifs. Removable lids topped by a beetle and a wasp in gold and basse-taille enamel.
Signed
"Fic BOUCHERON PARIS" engraved on base and drawer bottom
Marks
"CG" on drawer edge (probably for Crossville & Glachant).
Inscriptions"10 juillet 1876" enamelled on one side of base, at lower left
Provenance1878, probably sold by Boucheron to Marie-Louise Hungerford (Mrs. John) Mackay (b. 1843 - d. 1928), Paris, London, and New York. December 15, 1988, anonymous sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, to S.J. Phillips, London, and Firestone and Parsons, Boston; 1989, sold by S. J. Phillips and Firestone and Parsons to Alan and Simone Hartman, New York. October 24, 2000, anonymous sale, Sotheby's, New York, lot 179, to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 15, 2000)