Du Paquier writing set

Circa 1730

Width: 8 3/8 in. (20.8 cm.), depth: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm.), height: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm.)

Writing sets in Du Paquier porcelain are rare and precious objects which were the preserve of the elite in European society in the 18^th century. Few exist to this day and probably were not made in large numbers, and most are based on one model with slight variations. The inkwell and pounce pot are set into a rectangular base and the front wall, above the tray for quills and other implements, is usually pierced. The quill trough, as on this example, is often flanked by a pair of creatures, in this case cats and on other examples, dogs or lions. The small square hole at the top of this example would likely have held a small candle-holder, removable so that accumulated wax could be easily extracted. Writing sets are one of the most complicated, and therefore likely one of the most expensive, objects produced by the Du Paquier factory. Their survival suggests that they were more ornamental than utilitarian. The model is likely based on a silver form. All the known examples of this model are made with variations, so no two are exactly alike.