French Brass Inkwell with Three Hounds

There is a certain poetry in objects that survive centuries. This French inkwell, dating to the Victorian era, was more than a desk accessory—it was a statement of refinement. Three sculpted hounds, linked by a delicate brass chain, encircle the base, their forms frozen in loyal symmetry. Above them, a brass sphere opens to reveal a porcelain ink reservoir, its gold-trimmed edge still luminous.

Originally made for aristocratic desks and collectors’ studies, it is as much a sculpture as it is a tool, its presence commanding but never ostentatious. Even without the ruby glass eyes that once brightened each hound, the expression and detail remain intact, a reminder of artistry meant to last generations.

At five inches tall, it feels both intimate and monumental—a rare survivor of its kind.

Dimensions
Height: 5 inches
Base Diameter: 4.75 inches
Weight: 1 lb, 10.3 oz

Material: Brass with porcelain reservoir
Era: Victorian (1837–1901), France