The malachite inkwell sits on a beautifully gilded bronze base and feet, topped with two gilded bronze compartments for ink and sand. The lovely detailed handle rises above the inkwell, wreathed in unusual grapevine motives. The design of the inkwell is heavily inspired by the ‘French Empire Period’.
Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral which has been mined in many regions of the world. Archaeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined and smelted to obtain copper for over 3,000 years, but now it is highly prized for its distinctive beauty.
Malachite from the Ural Mountains of Russia is considered to show the best structure and the most amazing and desirable colour.