Carved Horse’s Head Figural Inkwell

This is a fine example of a carved wooden figural inkwell, crafted in the form of a horse’s head. It is a detailed piece, showcasing a significant level of artistry and craftsmanship.

Carving and Form: The inkwell is expertly carved from a dark wood, likely mahogany or a similar hardwood, with a rich, dark finish. The carving gives lifelike detail to the horse’s features.

• The ears are pointed and alert, carved with a great sense of realism.
• The nostrils are flared, suggesting movement.
• The mane is depicted with textured, flowing lines, contrasting with the smooth finish of the horse’s face.
• The horse’s expressive, lifelike quality is enhanced by the addition of large, glass eyes.

Construction and Functionality:

• The back part of the horse’s head is hinged, allowing the top section starting at the ears to be lifted like a lid.
• This lid opens to reveal the internal inkwell. As seen with traveling inkwells, the glass inkwell inside is sealed with a lid that is spring-loaded and opened with a push-button mechanism.

Bridle: The realism of the carving is further enhanced by the leather bridle. The bridle is well-made, with thin leather straps held in place by small brass or dark-colored beads/studs, creating an authentic and functional-looking piece of equestrian tack.