Gustave Keller Arts & Craft Silver & Frosted Glass Inkwell, Paris c.1900

This fabulous and unusual large desk inkwell bears the marks of the renowned silversmith Gustave Keller. * The heavy textured glass body with sinuous clear glass patterns, very much in the Art Nouveau manner.The neck with an impressive Arts & Craft inspired planished silver hinged lid. The lid stamped G.Heller, the collar stamped with the poinçon minerve for sterling silver. * The Maître Orfèvre Gustave Keller founded his firm in 1856. The firm made elegant accessories which were immediately appreciated for their outstanding quality. At the Paris World Exhibitions of 1867 and 1878, Keller was presented with silver and gold medals. In 1889, Lucien Falize wrote that "everything stamped Keller is good” and the firm was rewarded at the 1889 and 1900 Paris World Fairs by a gold medal and a Grand prix respectively. He attracted brilliant and international customers and was appointed official supplier of several courts (Spain, Russia, Greece and Romania). Examples of the firm’s work can be found in notable collections including those of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and the Musée d'Orsay, France and the Imperial State Hermitage in St Petersburg. Hallmarks: G. KELLER for Gustave Keller. poinçon minerve for sterling silver.