Antique French Art Nouveau Brass Inkwell Cicada Insect Mod Brevet Porcelain Cup For Sale

Antique French Art Nouveau Brass Inkwell Cicada Insect Mod Brevet Porcelain Cup

Item Overview

Up for sale is a stunningly preserved Antique French Art Nouveau Brass Inkwell, dating back to the early 1900s. This exquisite piece features a beautifully detailed, high-relief sculpture of a cicada or beetle prominently integrated into the front center of its ornate base. Reflecting the classic organic aesthetics of the French Art Nouveau movement, this desk accessory features flowing floral and leaf borders that elevate it into a true work of functional art. This complete, highly desirable set is a must-have find for serious antiquarians, writing instrument collectors, or lovers of early European brassware.

Historical Context and Markings

• Patent Stamp: The underside features the distinct, authentic French manufacturing mark stamped Mod. Breveté. This legal designation (short for Modele Breveté) confirms the piece as a registered, patented design model produced in France during the peak of the Art Nouveau era.

• Absolute Rarity: Crucially, this inkwell still retains its original white porcelain interior ink cup insert. These delicate ceramic wells are almost always missing, cracked, or replaced over the decades. Having the original insert intact heavily elevates the value and complete functionality of the set.

Condition Report and Features

• Overall Condition: Excellent antique condition with beautiful structural integrity. The heavy cast brass features a rich, warm golden coloration with spectacular darker aged spots highlighting the deep grooves of the artwork.

• Patina: Displays a gorgeous, untouched natural aged patina throughout the exterior, with authentic light verdigris and oxidation visible inside the well and under the lid, validating its genuine historical age.

• Hardware: The original heavy rear hinge is completely intact, allowing the ornate dome lid to open smoothly and seat perfectly flush when closed.

• Ceramic Insert: The genuine white porcelain cup remains in excellent shape with a clean glossy glaze and only minor, expected rim wear from historical use.

• Design Era: Art Nouveau (Circa 1900 to 1920).

• Subject Motif: High-Relief Stylized European Cicada / Insect.

• Origin: Made in France.

Shipping and Handling

• Professional, highly secure packaging to fully protect both the heavy brass casting and the fragile porcelain insert during transit.

• Shipped fully tracked and insured to ensure safe arrival.

• Offers are welcome from serious antique collectors looking to add a premier piece to their collection.