Superb and rare antique Napoleon III era French Japonaise or Chinoiserie decorated Louis XV style lacquer inkstand. Featuring a cartouche shaped tray crafted from a stunning coromandel lacquered wood fragment and matching urn shaped pots, likely earlier pieces supplied by marchand-merciers. Well carved and beautifully colored. Decorated with a charming scene of a pagoda style home or temple and surrounding garden. Depicting a couple and a dog outside among trees and foliage, with clouds overhead, all on a dark warm background. Surrounded by gilt bronze border and resting on four bun feet. Surmounted with two lacquered inkpots, patterned with birds and flowers. Capped with bronze hinged lids enhanced with openwork and ornate foliage casted finials. Opening to reveal original glass inserts. In overall good antique condition with general wear from age, some ink stains and discoloration to the metal from use. One urn does have an area of missing lacquer on the side, visible in the pictures. Extremely decorative ink stand which would provide elegance to any place in the house, just perfect for an office desk or table in the study. Impressive large size. Measures 18 1/8" length x 12 5/8" width x 6" height.