Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden, International Art Auction No. 197 - Part 1, Lot 271, Ahlden (Germany), September 4, 2026.
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Beautiful inkstand in enamelled earthenware with a polychrome decoration of foliated scrolls and confronted chimeras on a blue background, framing a circular medallion featuring an antique-style profile head on a yellow background punctuated with small crosses. Of architectural form, it comprises two ovoid wells intended to hold ink, whose lids are missing, and a small central receptacle, all resting on a sinuous base ending in volutes.
It brings together several characteristic traits of Auguste Jean: harmony of composition, delicacy of the enamelled decoration, attention to detail, richness of polychromy, famous blue background and Neo-Renaissance vocabulary. Several inkstands by Auguste Jean are known today, but this one stands out for its form.
Its provenance is particularly interesting: it belonged to the princely family of Baden and was notably listed in the inventory of Kirchberg Castle, in Germany. It was sold by Prince Maximilian of Baden during the auction organized at Sotheby's in 1995. The label preserved on the reverse attests to this provenance.
