Inkipedia
Grand Tour Labrum Inkstand
| Categories | Souvenir, Stone/Marble/Ivory/Bone/Hoof/Leather |
| Type | Grand Tour |
| Material | Marble, Stone |
| Markings | Unmarked |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | Italy |
| Date or Era | circa 1850 |
| Measuring | 5 ½” x 2 ¾” x 4” high |
This inkstand is an example of the souvenirs created in Rome for wealthy travelers on the Grand Tour, a period of travel primarily lasting from the 18th century through the mid-19th century.
- Form and Iconography
- Model: The inkstand replicates an ancient Roman labrum (public bath or wash basin), sometimes also modeled after a sarcophagus. Scaling down colossal ancient structures into functional desk ornaments was a specialty of Roman workshops catering to tourists.
- Inkwells: The sunken area of the labrum is divided to hold the two inkwells.
- Decoration:
- Protome Mask: The piece features a protome mask (a three-dimensional, abrupt representation of a head and neck) centrally placed on the long side of the tub. This is typically a mythological or classical figure, often a Lion’s Head as on this piece.
- Lion Feet: The structure rests on classic lion’s paw feet, a direct reference to the Roman furniture and architectural supports of antiquity.
- Materials and Age
| Feature | Confirmation & Detail |
| Primary Material | Rosso Antico Marble. This is a red-violet colored breccia marble highly prized in ancient Rome and specifically rediscovered and used extensively during the Neoclassical period (18th to mid-19th century) for luxury decorative items like this. Its color gives the piece a stunning, rich appearance. |
| Secondary Material | “Breccia” Base. A breccia marble (from the Italian word for “rubble”) is a type of stone composed of angular, broken fragments of rock cemented together by a finer material. This creates the multicolored, fragmented look you see on the lower base. The specific type would likely be a dramatic choice like Breccia Oniciata or a similar variegated stone to provide a contrast to the deep red of the Rosso Antico. |
| Dating | Circa 1820–1860. This period marked the peak demand for such marble souvenirs created by skilled Roman workshops, such as those run by Benedetto Boschetti or Tommaso Ciacchi. The carving quality of these pieces is often exceptionally high. |
| Context | Grand Tour Souvenir. These inkstands were among the most desirable and expensive souvenirs purchased by affluent travelers as tangible evidence of their educational journey and taste for antiquity. |
The combination of the Rosso Antico, the classic labrum form, and the presence of protome/lion motifs is the signature of a high-quality Italian Grand Tour souvenir.
Sold for $1700 in October 2025
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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