Porcelain Elk’s Head Inkstand

This porcelain inkstand is in the form of an elk’s or stag’s head, rendered in naturalistic colors with a smooth, glazed finish. The animal’s antlers serve a dual purpose as a convenient pen holder. The inkwell is integrated into a tree stump positioned behind the elk. The lid of the inkwell is a separate piece sculpted with a small green branch with leaves as a finial, which lifts to access the inkpot inside the stump.

About the Maker: Royal Bayreuth

The mark on the bottom of the piece, Royal Bayreuth, belongs to a famous porcelain factory located in Bavaria, Germany. The company, originally founded in 1794, adopted the name “Royal Bayreuth” around 1885, when it became known for its decorative and often unconventional porcelain.

The factory was particularly celebrated for its novelty pieces, often shaped as people, animals, and objects like vegetables or fruits. These items, designed to be both decorative and functional, were incredibly popular on the international market, especially in the United States, from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries.