{"product_id":"antique-18th-century-french-moustiers-inkwell","title":"Antique 18th c. Moustiers Inkwell","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAntique Moustiers Inkwell\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eantique circa 1790\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emade in Moustiers, France\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efound in the South of France\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ehand painted classic motifs of the Moustiers region in cobalt blue on white tin glazed earthenware known as faience\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 3.5\" high x 8.5\" wide x 6.5\" deep\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA charming example of French faience craftsmanship, this antique encrier features delicate blue and white hand-painted decoration accented by ornate brass mounts and whimsical mascaron detailing. Originally used as a writing stand to hold ink pots and quills, pieces like this brought both beauty and refinement to the desks of 18th and 19th century European interiors. Rich with old-world character and history, it makes a stunning decorative object for a desk, bibliothèque, or cabinet display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMoustiers Ceramics\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMoustiers ceramics, or Moustiers faience, originated in the small Provençal village of \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eMoustiers-Sainte-Marie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e and became one of the most celebrated forms of French tin-glazed earthenware during the 17th and 18th centuries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKnown for their refined hand-painted decoration and luminous white glaze, Moustiers pieces were often inspired by Italian maiolica, Chinese porcelain, and the elegance of French Rococo design. Early examples frequently featured delicate blue floral motifs, while later works became more elaborate with mythological scenes, grotesques, chinoiserie figures, birds, and whimsical pastoral imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhat makes Moustiers faience especially significant is the artistry and individuality of each piece. Unlike factory-made ceramics, these wares were hand-painted by skilled artisans, making no two exactly alike. The region became renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and helped establish Provence as an important center of decorative arts in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eToday, antique Moustiers ceramics are highly prized for their romantic Old World character, painterly quality, and connection to the refined decorative tastes of the Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI periods.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antique \u0026 Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50481480335635,"sku":null,"price":998.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0922\/8553\/4483\/files\/IMG_30902.jpg?v=1745018443","url":"https:\/\/www.maisonblue.com\/products\/antique-18th-century-french-moustiers-inkwell","provider":"Maison Blue","version":"1.0","type":"link"}