Inkipedia
Art Deco Figural Dog Inkstand
| Categories | Figural - Animals & Living Creatures |
| Type | dog |
| Material | Spelter, Onyx |
| Markings | Unmarked |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | circa 1930 |
| Measuring | 7 ½” x 6” |
- The Figural Sculpture: The Cocker Spaniel
- Subject: The centerpiece is a painted metal sculpture of a Cocker Spaniel (or possibly a Springer Spaniel).
- Historical Context: The Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog breed in America during the 1930s and 1940s. Their popularity exploded further with the release of movies and books featuring spaniels during this era.
- Material: The dog is made of Spelter (a zinc-based “pot metal” alloy), which was the standard material for affordable decorative arts in this period.
- Finish: It is “Cold-Painted.” Unlike kiln-fired enamel, the paint was applied to the cold metal after casting. This technique allows for realistic colors (the liver-and-white coat).
- The Base and Inkwell
- Material: The base and inkwell body are made of green onyx (often mined in Brazil, Mexico, or the US, and technically a form of calcite alabaster).
- The stone features the characteristic cloudy, semi-translucent green bands and white veins popular in Art Deco styling.
- Design: The geometric, faceted shape of the inkwell block contrasts with the organic form of the dog – a classic Art Deco design principle.
- Features:
- Pen Rest: The front of the base has a milled groove to hold a dip pen.
- Hinged Lid: The heavy stone lid is attached with a metal hinge. The interior well likely originally held a small glass cup (insert) which is missing.
- Origin and Maker
- Origin: United States.
- Maker: While unmarked, this style of “Metal Dog on Onyx Base” was a staple product of American companies like Dodge Inc. (based in Los Angeles and Chicago) or The J.B. Hirsch Company.
- Dodge Inc. was famous in the 1930s and 40s for producing trophies and desk sets using this exact combination of spelter figures and onyx bases.
Sold for $35 in November 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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