Art Deco Inkwell – Bastard of Paris

Collectibles : Writing Instruments : Inkwells

 

Here for your pleasure is a bright and cheerfully Art Deco inkwell from Paris of the 1920s. It was made by George Bastard of Paris and designed and painted by the artist E. Margeris (we’ve also seen him referred to as Margerie – based on the signature, it could be either). Bastard was a well known designer and sculptor during the Art Deco period in Paris. He collaborated with other artists to create pieces for the 1925 Paris Exposition. In the 1930s he was made director of the Sevres Porcelain company.

This fun little inkwell was probably made in the late 1920s. The painted design has a Mardi Gras look to it – bubbles and ribbons and beads and the great royal blue base. The lid sits loosely on top and has a hole in it. This is unusual for inkwell lids, but seems to be the way these inkwells were made (there are a couple similar ones in Huntings’ Collectors World of Inkwells – page 124). There are also two quill or pen holes on the top of the inkwell.

Condition is excellent. We weren’t sure at first if the insert was original, because we didn’t think it fit very well. However, it fits perfectly if it is placed exactly right. The opening of the inkwell is slightly oval rather than round – the insert is also slightly oval. So you have to play around with it until it settles right in. There are a few little ink stains in the bottom of the insert. The signature on the base is a little smudged, but the Bastard duck appears above it. There is a little bit of the base missing – we believe this happened during the firing process. The paint as all there and is bright and clear. Measurements are about 3 1/2" in diameter at its widest and about 2” tall.

This is a nice little inkwell to add to an Art Deco or inkwell collection.

Item ID: 0457