Two Cats Playing

This classic example of an Austrian / Vienna novelty bronze inkwell dates to the late 19th century or early 20th century (circa 1890–1910). While many miniature bronzes from this era were “cold-painted” with vibrant enamels, this inkwell relies on a more classical pairing of deep chemical patination and gilt bronze (ormolu) finishes to tell its story. The design captures a delightfully narrative, anthropomorphic scene typical of the playful “Vienna bronze” style:

Design & Narrative Elements

• The Hissing Cat (The Inkwell Lid): Atop a round, pedestal table covered by a realistic, draped tablecloth stands a cat with its back arched, tail high in the air, and mouth open in an unmistakable hiss.
• The Playing/Taunting Kitten: On the base below, a second kitten sits on a cobblestone-textured floor, playfully reaching up toward a wood-slat bucket (meant to serve as a holder for small desk accessories). The kitten’s gaze is directed upward, creating a dynamic visual triangle between the two animals and the bucket.
• The Hidden Well: The top of the draped table is hinged at the back. When lifted, it swings open to reveal a recessed inkwell fitted with its original, removable milk-glass liner to hold the ink.

Date & Attribution Notes

A circa 1890–1910 dating is most accurate for this specific casting style and assembly method.

• The Hardware: The underside of the lid reveals slotted iron screws securing the top cat figure to the lid, which is characteristic of late Victorian and Edwardian era Vienna production.
• Potential Marks: Pieces of this detail were frequently produced by premier Viennese foundries such as Franz Xaver Bergmann or Fritz Bermann. This piece is unmarked.

It is a clever novelty inkstand that merges functional desk accessory design with late 19th-century animalier humor.