Bust of a Woman

This is a figural inkwell in the form of a woman’s bust, likely dating from the late 19^th century. The piece is constructed from spelter metal, also known as white metal, which has a light, grayish tone. The bust depicts a woman from the shoulders up, mounted on a circular black wooden base.

The woman is adorned with a string of pearls around her neck, and the upper portion of her dress, featuring delicate detailing, is visible. Her head is covered with a distinctive head covering, a modified scarf. This covering drapes down the sides of her face and is tied in a bow at her neck, while also having a more structured form around the crown of her head. Her hair is styled elaborately beneath the scarf. The upper portion of her head / hair is hinged. Lifting this hinged section reveals a circular opening with a white pottery inkwell insert.