Inkstand Tray
Date1749-1750
Marked by
Paul de Lamerie
1688-1751
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsH:(rim of tray): 1 1/8" ; OH: 2 11/16"; OL: 9 7/16"; OW: 6 11/16"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-181,1
DescriptionInkstand (tray): has small hemispherical wells in base for the pots to fit into; tray of elliptical plan with cast and applied ribbed rim with 8 spaced clusters of scrolls and shells and short concave shaped sides to flat base; tray supported on 4 cast animal paw feet. Engraved coat of arms on face of base.Label TextTwo related inkstands by de Lamerie, both having shaped oval trays with cast and applied rococo rims, similar cast and applied decoration on their ink and pounce pots, and lion paw feet are recorded. One of 1734/35 has the addition of a central bell and two pen troughs. The other of 1741/42 has a central taperholder. De Lamerie had earlier utilized oval dishes of very similar design to the tray of this inkstand in his centerpiece of 1734/35, formerly in the Bobrinsky Collection, Moscow. De Lamerie's most important and elaborate inkstand, that of 1741 made for and still owned by the Goldsmiths' Company, London, incorporates a bell given to the company by Sir Robert Vyner in 1667.Inscription(s)Arms of Allen of Farnham, Suffolk, and of Bampton, Devonshire, impaling those of Holder of Wheatley, Nottinghamshire, engraved on face of tray.Mark(s)Marked in relief on base of tray 1) "P·L" in script letters with a crown above and a pellet below within a shaped reserve, 2) leopard's head crowned, 3) lion passant, and 4) date letter "o" for 1749-50
ProvenanceSotheby & Co., London (1960)
