Spanish Talavera Inkstand

A 19^th century Talavera inkstand made in Spain. Supported by twelve ceramic legs, the flat front glazed surface depicts two tall, cartoonish birds standing between two trees. The rear raised portion decorated with foliate designs holds a lidded inkwell and a pounce pot. The corners are decorated with flaring yellow fluted shapes. Featured is a fantastical devil-like beastie seated on a plinth with a pen hole in front. Marked on the bottom: “Talavera…Spain”.

Majolica and faience were made at Talavera de la Reina and at the neighboring Puente del Arzobispo in Castile from the early 16th Century. No factory marks were ever used. They developed an original style of painting remarkable for its vigor. The colors were dominated by a powerful green, canary yellow and a thick orange, and to some extent by a heavy blue. Horsemen, hunting scenes, buildings, trees, animals, birds, figures, and coats of arms were much favored as motifs.