Antonio Pandiani Foundry (1838-1828)Venus Marina Inkwell Milan 19th-20th century Bronze, dark brown patina 26x15x15 cm Fine Renaissance-style bronze inkwell. The cup is supported by lion protomes resting on high volute feet. On the lid, decorated with acanthus leaves, Venus Marine resting her left foot on the head of a dolphin which se helds firmly by the tail. A typical example of the historical production popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. Unsigned but identical to some signed exemplaries, the inkwell can certainly be attributed to the Pandiani production. The Pandiani foundry, already active in the 19th century with artists of neoclassical taste such as Giovanni Pandiani (1809-1879), experienced great development under the direction of Antonio Pandiani, who took over its management in 1886. He led it to the success of participating in major international exhibitions and to becoming the bronze workers of the Royal House of Savoy. From that moment on, the Pandiani family produced a significant quantity of bronzes, decorations, and metalware for the Quirinale Palace and other royal palaces. In the second half of the 1920s, the company expanded its activities to the production of eclectic, historical-style furnishings and antiques, proving itself capable of meeting every need related to interior design. Among the most notable collaborators of the company should be mentioned Carlo Bugatti (1867-1940), a famous designer of furniture with an Oriental-inspired taste.