Antique Small French Gilt Bronze Inkstand c.1860

This wonderfully detailed bronze inkstand is of unusably small proportions and was made to most likely compliment a lady's writing table. It is oval with a moulded base which is mounted with a detailed bronze study of a rural scene of a young man harvesting corn with a sickle. The bushels of corn hide the inkpot which hinges back to reveal a white porcelain container. There is also in addition a pen holder and a small container for matches with an accompanying match striker on the reverse of the inkstand used for lighting a candle to illuminate a desk or table. This delightful piece is finished with a combination of gilt and patinated bronze which is a complicated and expensive finish. This high quality bronze is in excellent original condition.