19th French Napoleon III Malachite And Gilt Bronze Inkwell By Maison Millet Paris

Rare and precious malachite and gilt bronze inkwell made and signed by Maison Millet in Paris in the second half of the 19th century.
The bronze is beautifully chiseled and gilded, with the original gilding beautifully preserved. The malachite used is of the highest quality. The two malachite reservoirs contain the original glass bottles inside.
This inkwell belongs to Maison Millet's luxury production, intended for the most affluent clientele, while a more commercial version, where the malachite is replaced by wood, is produced for the general public.
The initials "MB" engraved under the gilt bronze mount of the inkwell refer to Blaise Millet. Maison Millet was founded by Blaise and Théodore Millet in 1857 and continued until 1902 in the premises at 11, rue Jacques-Cœur in Paris, before moving to 23, boulevard Beaumarchais. Maison Millet was a highly regarded 19th century cabinetmaking company, described as producing "art furniture and bronzes, both antique and modern". Renowned for the quality of its carving and choice of materials, Maison Millet had a large workshop staffed by many workers, used its own master bronze models and benefited from collaborations with famous sculptors and bronze casters such as Claude Marioton. Specialising in the production of Louis XV and XVI style furniture and objects of the highest quality, it won several awards at a series of exhibitions in London and Paris, including the gold medal at the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition. In 1902, Maison Millet was authorised by the director of the Palace of Versailles to reproduce Marie-Antoinette's famous Grand Cabinet à bijoux, originally made by Adam Weisweiler.

Literature
C. Payne, 19th Century European Furniture, 2013, Suffolk, p.42.
C. Mestdagh, French Art Furniture, 1850-1900, 201, Paris.

Measurements
L cm 22
H cm 22
P cm 11

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