Ipsens Enke Pottery Inkstand

This pottery inkstand is an example of Danish craftsmanship by P. Ipsens Enke, a renowned ceramics manufacturer based in Copenhagen. The company was founded in 1843 by Peter Ipsen and continued by his widow Louise Ipsen after his death in 1860. The name “Ipsens Enke” literally means “Ipsen’s Widow,” and it became a hallmark of high-quality ceramic artistry, especially known for classical and naturalistic motifs.

Description of the Inkstand

• Material & Glaze: The inkstand features a green crackled glaze, typical of early 20th-century stoneware. The crackling is intentional and adds to its charm.
• Design: The base tray is shallow with raised edges, designed to hold writing instruments. The inkwell itself is adorned with a painted bird perched on a branch—an elegant nod to nature, common in Art Nouveau aesthetics. The lid has a knob finial.

Maker’s Mark: P. Ipsens Enke

Estimated Production Date

• Based on the glaze, motif, and mark style, this inkstand most likely dates from the 1920s to early 1930s. This aligns with Ipsens Enke’s Art Nouveau and early modernist period, when they collaborated with artists like Thorvald Bindesbøll and Axel Salto. The green crackle glaze and naturalistic bird motif are consistent with pieces from this era.