The brothers Goncourt’s inkwell. This object witnesses the importance of Edmond and Jules de Goncourt in the creation of Japonism for which they claim paternity. The authors of d’En 18.. have, as soon as 1851, put Japanese influences at the centre of their work. This inkwell -in which only one pen is remaining after the death of Jules, confirms the presence of the Japanese artistic objects in the life of the two brothers. The inventory after the decease lists indeed numerous Japanese and Chinese objects in the Goncourt’s collection.

On the form of a Daruma doll, the head as a lid, put on a small European earthenware tray, brighten up with two small insects made of bronze, a European mantis, and a grasshopper as dip pens. We add a handwritten certificate signed by Gabriel Reuillard. Provenance : Edmond de Goncourt -- Léon Hennique -- Nicolette Hennique-Valentin -- Gabriel Reuillard -- Pierre-René Wolf.