Gutta-Percha Inkstand

This is a well-preserved example of a mid-to-late 19th-century inkstand. The use of gutta-percha (or a similar early plastic compound like Bois Durci) gives it that characteristic dark, matte finish and allowed for the crisp, intricate molding seen in the shell motifs.

Description of the Inkstand

The inkstand features a trilobed base designed as three interconnected scallop shells. These shells serve as natural wells for holding pens, nibs, or sealing wax.

• The Inkwell: The central feature is a heavy, clear faceted glass inkwell. It has a stepped, architectural shape with a stemmed base that fits into the central aperture of the stand.
• The Lid: The glass well is topped with a hinged metal collar and gutta-percha lid. The lid features a molded floral design that mimics the organic theme of the base.
• The Base: The underside reveals that the stand is supported by six molded conical feet, ensuring it sits level on a desk surface.

Composition and Manufacture

What is Gutta-Percha? Gutta-percha is a natural latex-like gum derived from the sap of Palaquium trees native to Southeast Asia. Unlike rubber, it is thermoplastic, meaning it becomes soft and pliable when heated (usually in hot water) and retains its shape once cooled and hardened.

How it was made:

1. Preparation: The raw gum was cleaned and often mixed with fillers like charcoal, sawdust, or mineral powders to give it the dark “ebonized” color and added durability.
2. Molding: The heated material was pressed into high-quality steel or brass dies. Because it was pressed under high pressure, it could capture much finer detail than traditional wood carving or sand-cast metal.
3. Assembly: After cooling, the piece was trimmed. The glass inkwell was usually sourced from a glasswork and fitted with a metal mount afterwards.

Origin and Age

• Date: This piece likely dates from 1855 to 1880. This was the “Golden Age” of gutta-percha and early molded polymers before they were largely replaced by Celluloid and later Bakelite.
• Origin: France was the leader in decorative molded “simulated wood” and gutta-percha items during the Second Empire.
  • The “Bois Durci” process (patented by François Lepage in 1855) was a French specialty that used wood flour and albumen (egg white) to create a material nearly identical in appearance to this inkstand.
  • The shell (Coquille) motif was a staple of French Neo-Rococo design, which was immensely popular in Parisian stationery sets during the mid-19th century.