Cold-Painted Spelter Figural Inkstand: Kingfisher and Walnut

Description:

A naturalistic figural inkstand cast in spelter (zinc alloy) and finished with “cold painting” (polychrome unfired paint). The sculpture depicts a Kingfisher perched attentively on a textured tree branch.

The Inkwell: Beside the bird sits a large, realistic English Walnut. The walnut shell is hinged at the back and opens to reveal the ink reservoir. (Note: The original glass or ceramic insert is missing).

Color & Finish: The piece retains remnants of its original cold-painted finish. The bird features a distinct orange breast and teal-blue wings with black accents on the beak and eyes. The walnut is painted in naturalistic shades of ochre and brown to mimic a shell.

Identification: The Bird

The bird is unmistakably a Common Kingfisher (scientific name: Alcedo atthis).

• Visual Evidence: The identification is confirmed by the long, dagger-like beak, the short tail, and the specific coloration remaining on the piece: a rust-orange breast and electric blue/teal wings and head.
• Context: The Kingfisher was a favorite subject in Victorian and Edwardian decorative arts, symbolizing patience and peace.

Age & Origin

• Origin: Most likely Austria or Germany.
  • This piece is designed in the “Vienna Bronze” style. Famous Austrian foundries (like Bergmann) created high-end bronze versions of this exact subject (birds perched next to seeds, nuts, or fruit).
  • Since this piece is made of spelter (a zinc alloy), it was likely produced as a more affordable alternative to solid bronze, manufactured by Austrian or German foundries for the export market.
• Age: c. 1890–1920 (Late Victorian to Edwardian period). The “cold-painted” technique and the naturalistic subject matter were at the height of fashion during this window.