For someone who enjoys putting pen to paper, this is a stunning antique French Art Nouveau gold metal inkwell with original porcelain insert. I love its fabulous, elegant shape and detail work. However, there is even more to its story.

From its monogram or emblem, we know that this is an early 20th-century religious souvenir from Notre Dame de Lourdes. Our Lady of Lourdes is a Roman Catholic title for Mary, mother of Jesus. Catholic tradition holds that Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Today, pilgrims flock to the town of Lourdes in the foothills of the Pyrennes each year to pray, to search for healing from the grotto’s waters, and to bring back with them a remembrance of their visit.

This inkwell is in very good condition. The gold metal has developed a bit of a patina over the years and the porcelain inkwell has no chips.

The inkwell measures 2 1/2 inches (6.5 cm) tall and 4 inches (10.5 cm) front to back at its widest point.

What a wonderful gift to spoil someone special.

Calligraphy pen not included.