Brass Double Inkstand with a Guardian Dwarf

This cast brass double inkstand features a figure that is a dwarf or gnome. It features a rectangular base with two inkwells with hinged lids. The base is decorated with a raised, organic, and somewhat root-like pattern.

A charming figural sculpture is the centerpiece of the inkstand. It is a diminutive, hunched figure — a dwarf or gnome—with a long beard and a pointed cap. The figure is posed as if guarding the inkwells. The head is removable, revealing a letter opener.

The set is completed by a matching rocker blotter. The blotter is a small, curved accessory used to absorb excess ink from a freshly written page. It is a perfect complement to the inkstand, sharing the same cast brass material and decorative style.

Where and When It Was Made

Based on its design and material, this inkstand was most likely made in Western Europe, specifically in Germany or Austria, between the late 19th and early 20th century.

• Materials and Techniques: The use of cast brass and the stylistic influence of fantasy creatures like gnomes and dwarves point strongly to workshops in Germany and Austria. These regions had a long tradition of producing decorative metalware and were major centers for these types of figurines.

Art Nouveau and Fantasy Themes: The piece’s slightly asymmetrical, organic design on the base is influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, which was highly popular in Germany and Austria during this period. The use of fantasy figures like gnomes and dwarfs was also a staple of German folklore and was frequently incorporated into decorative arts.