Inkwell w/Lion Finial

This is a fun little inkwell made most likely by one of the Paris region makers and definitely in France in the early 19th century. It is modeled nicely to look like a little fountain with brick sides and a face to the front with a little half circle pool below it with "water" inside it. The top is a rectangular lid with a green lion finial that is superbly modeled! When you lift the lid there is an opening with a little inkwell insert in it. The piece is really cute and figural inkwells like this are hard to find these days! The set is in great condition with a little wear to the gilding and I think there used to be a water spout from the masks' mouth into the pool of water but that is missing. Not terrible in terms of display but it would ahve looked extra cool. The inkwell insert is a replacement but it fits perfectly and looks nice. Made to look old. A super cool piece that is sure to start up some conversations. Marked with jsut an incised mark to the underside lid as shown. The entore piece is 3.25 inches tall, 3.375 inches wide and 3.75 inches deep. Please email me for more information or other pictures.