Hungry Baby Inkstand

This figural inkstand is made of white metal with a matte silvered or “French gray” finish. It features a novelty figure of a standing child sometimes referred to as a “hungry baby” or “thumb-sucking baby” – positioned behind two functional desk accessories.

Key Components

• The Child Figure: A toddler dressed in a simple long smock or nightshirt, standing with hands clasped near the face in a playful, inquisitive pose.
• The Pen Wipe: To the left, there is a cylindrical metal cup housing a thick, dark bristle brush. In the era of dip pens, these brushes were used to wipe excess ink and debris from the metal nib to prevent clogging and corrosion.
• The Inkwell: To the right is a heavy, faceted cut glass inkwell seated in a hexagonal indentation. It is topped with a hinged metal lid that matches the stand’s finish.
• The Base: The components are mounted on a circular metal base with a slightly upturned rim, designed to catch stray ink droplets.