Antonio Pandiani

(1838 - 1928)

Workshop of

Fine Renaissance-style bronze inkwell. The cup is supported by lion protomes resting on high volute feet. On the lid, decorated with acanthus leaves, Venus Marine resting her left foot on the head of a dolphin which she helds firmly by the tail. 

A typical example of the historicist production of the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Unsigned however identical to some signed exemplaries, this inkwell can certainly be attributed to the Pandiani production.

The Pandiani foundry was already active in the 19th century uniting artists of neoclassical taste such as Giovanni Pandiani (1809-1879). It experienced great development under the direction of Antonio Pandiani, who took over its management in 1886 and led it to the success. The foundry members participated in major international exhibitions and to became bronze makers for the Italian Royal House of Savoy. From that moment on, the Pandiani family produced a significant quantity of bronzes, decorations, and metalware for the Quirinale Palace and other royal palaces.  In the second half of the 1920s, the company expanded its activities to the production of eclectic, historicist-style furniture, proving itself capable of meeting every need related to interior design. Among the most notable collaborators of the company was Carlo Bugatti (1867-1940), a famous designer of Oriental style furniture.