Winged Griffins Inkstand

This is a Victorian-era cast-metal inkstand featuring a vibrant, multi-colored finish.

• The Structure: The stand consists of a solid square base with a single square recess in the center. This recess was designed to hold a square glass inkwell.
• The Creatures: At each of the four corners sits a winged Griffin. The design is integrated: the griffin’s lion paws form the feet of the stand, while its eagle head and swept-back wings curve upward to form the corners of the square frame.

• The Finish: The stand has a gold-washed or gilded finish applied over a base metal (most likely cast brass). This gives the entire piece its warm, yellow-gold luster.
• The Application of Color: The red and green colors were applied directly over this gold plating.

• The “Glow”: Because the pigments used in the red and green lacquers are translucent, the gold plating underneath acts as a reflective mirror. When light hits the wing of the griffin, it passes through the red lacquer, reflects off the gold surface, and bounces back. This is why the colors look vibrant and “metallic” rather than flat or dull.
• Depth: The green color follows the recessed scrolling on the square base, while the red is concentrated in the deep grooves of the griffin’s feathers. This was done to add a jewel-like contrast to the bright gold highlights.

• Age: Circa 1875–1890.