Cold Painted Spelter Figural Dog Inkwell

This is an antique figural inkwell, dating from the late 19th or early 20th century, made in the style of cold-painted Viennese desk accessories.

Material and Construction:

• Material: The piece is made of spelter (a zinc alloy), which is characteristic of many European figural pieces from this era.
• Finish: It is finished with cold paint, which has been applied directly to the metal casting to create realistic coloring and detail. The dog’s coat is painted a black color with some tan markings.
• Functionality: The dog’s head is hinged and lifts up to reveal the circular interior reservoir, a removable glass ink liner.

Form and Breed Analysis:

The inkwell is cast in the shape of a seated dog in an alert and attentive posture.

• Ears: The most defining feature is the ears. The dog has large, long, dropped (pendulous) ears that hang down the side of its face.
• Head and Snout: The head is well-proportioned, featuring a long snout or muzzle that is straight and refined, indicating a sporting or working breed.
• Coat: The casting depicts a coat that is smooth and short.
• Tail and Body: The body is muscular and compact, and the tail is carried low, typical of a dog at rest or in a waiting pose.

Likely Breed Identification:

Considering the key physical attributes – the long snout, smooth black coat, and large dropped ears – the dog represents a hound or sporting dog.