Antique French Art Nouveau Silver Plate Figural Ink Well Signed

There are some objects that feel like they carry a little story with them, and this Antique French Art Nouveau inkwell is very much one of those pieces. I fell in love with it instantly when I found it at one of my favorite dealer's. Signed by Henri Honoré Plé, it shows a tender scene of a young child playing beside a goose and a small snail, gathered around a barrel that cleverly hides the original glass inkwell inside. {Henri exhibited projects at the Salon from 1877, winning honorable mentions, and received a bronze medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle.} This ink well has that beautiful mix of innocence and imagination that defines the Art Nouveau period — nothing stiff or formal, just a moment of life captured in silver.

I love the way the child leans forward, the gentle movement of the goose, and even the quiet little detail of the snail, it feels like a story paused in time. It’s the kind of piece that naturally draws you in when you sit at a desk or pass by it on a shelf. This example is silver plated, which is quite rare to see, especially with the original glass insert still intact. It has that gentle, aged surface that only comes with time, and overall it remains in good antique condition. There is a small opening at the back of the figure, likely part of the original casting process — these little details are part of its history and character. It’s a wonderful piece for a writing desk, a library, or anywhere you want to surround yourself with objects that feel personal and meaningful. It doesn’t just sit there quietly — it adds charm, history, and a bit of fun to your room.

• Measures 4" x 2-5/8" x 4"h.