Offered by MLD Antiquités
18th and 19th centuries Furniture and Fine Art
Ferdinand Duvinage (1823–1876) Bronze and Cloisonné Ivory Marquetry Inkwell, Maison Alphonse Giroux, c. 1880
This finely chased and gilded bronze inkwell is distinguished by its decorative ram’s heads framing a monogrammed medallion. The tray features two small lateral compartments for quills and two symmetrical candlesticks, with a discreet drawer in the center. The ensemble rests on four claw feet, combining elegance and functionality.
The cloisonné ivory marquetry, inlaid with brass and adorned with branch motifs, leaf friezes, and scrollwork, showcases exceptional craftsmanship. The piece bears the initials FD integrated into the design, accompanied by the mark Bté(patented), along with the signature Alphonse Giroux à Paris on the drawer. These details confirm its authenticity and prestigious provenance.
Historical Context:
Created around 1880, this inkwell exemplifies the excellence of Maison Alphonse Giroux under the leadership of the Widow Duvinage, who refined and patented the cloisonné marquetry technique in 1877, building on Ferdinand Duvinage’s innovations. This process, combining ivory, metals, and precious woods, embodies the sophistication of 19th-century decorative arts and the era’s fascination with Japonisme.
Dimensions:
Length: 15.35 inches (39 cm)
Height: 5.12 inches (13 cm)
Depth: 6.30 inches (16 cm)
Condition:
In excellent condition, this piece retains its original signatures—both on the drawer and within the marquetry—as well as its authentic charm and character.
Biographies:
Ferdinand Duvinage (1823–1876) Ferdinand Duvinage, born in 1823, was a renowned Parisian artisan and art dealer celebrated for his mastery of cloisonné ivory marquetry. The son of a stationer, he began his career in 1863 with a shop specializing in paintings and fans.
In 1867, he took over the esteemed Maison Giroux, founded around 1790 and known for its artist supplies, frames, easels, and luxury goods. Under his direction, the firm, located on Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, flourished, distinguished by the quality and originality of its creations.
Duvinage developed a cloisonné marquetry technique that combined ivory, precious metals, and wood, often inspired by Japonisme, a style highly fashionable at the time. His works, showcased at the 1878 Paris Universal Exhibition, were praised for their luxury and technical skill. Ferdinand Duvinage passed away in 1876, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in 19th-century decorative arts.
The Widow Duvinage (1876–1882) Following Ferdinand Duvinage’s death, his widow, Rosalie Duvinage, assumed leadership of Maison Giroux. She preserved and enhanced her husband’s legacy by patenting a new cloisonné ivory marquetry technique in 1877, occasionally incorporating mother-of-pearl inlays. Objects produced under her direction, often marked “Veuve Duvinage” or “FD Bte,” are now prized for their rarity and quality.
Production ceased in 1882 when the Widow Duvinage closed the business. Her creations, characterized by refined aesthetics and remarkable technical skill, continue to captivate collectors and museums, including a cabinet displayed at the Musée d’Orsay.
Maison Alphonse Giroux: A Legacy of Parisian Excellence
Founded in Paris in 1799 by François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux, Maison Alphonse Giroux became one of the most prestigious luxury houses of the 19th century. Initially located at 7 rue du Coq-Saint-Honoré and later moving to 43 boulevard des Capucines in 1857, it epitomized the perfect blend of exceptional craftsmanship and French elegance.
In its early years, the firm specialized in fancy goods, stationery, artist supplies, and fine cabinetry. Trained in painting by Jacques-Louis David and renowned as an art restorer and cabinetmaker, François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux quickly established his brand as a symbol of quality and innovation. The house became the preferred supplier to Parisian aristocracy and high society, earning its founder the nickname “merchant to the princes.”
In 1838, his sons, Alphonse-Gustave and André, expanded the business, producing refined furniture, tabletterie, and technical innovations, including the first Daguerreotype cameras in collaboration with Louis Daguerre. Their participation in the 1839 Exposition des Produits de l’Industrie, awarded a silver medal, solidified their leadership in luxury and innovation.
Maison Giroux also made significant cultural and political contributions, providing official gifts for the “Enfants de France” during the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X. Notable creations include the golden carriage gifted in 1824 to the children of the Duc de Berry, now exhibited at the Musée Carnavalet. Their elegant and masterfully crafted pieces adorned imperial palaces and elite residences, such as the bonheur-du-jour acquired by Empress Eugénie for the Palace of Compiègne at the 1855 Universal Exhibition.
In 1867, the firm passed to Duvinage and Harinbouck, later led by Ferdinand Duvinage and his widow, before being taken over by A. Philippe and E. Arnut. Despite these transitions, Maison Giroux maintained its reputation for excellence until its closure in 1885.
Today, objects signed by Alphonse Giroux are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide, serving as enduring symbols of Parisian craftsmanship and the opulence of the 19th century.
