Art Deco Double Inkstand

Description

• The Base: The foundation is opaque white art glass (sometimes referred to as opaline glass) with gently rounded, stepped geometric contours characteristic of the Art Deco aesthetic.
• The Inkwells: Two clear molded glass inkwells sit on either end, featuring brass-toned hinged collars.
• The Lids: Each inkwell is topped with a distinct colored glass lid—one deep cobalt blue and the other a rich ruby red—faceted with a stepped, geometric peak.
• The Pen Holders: Positioned centrally between the inkwells are two adjustable metal socket holders, complete with tapered pen nib holders (one dark/black and one deep burgundy).

Maker, Origin, and Era

• Era: Circa 1920s–1930s (Art Deco Period). Dual glass inkstands featuring contrasting primary-colored glass tops and geometric molded glass bases were produced during the height of the Machine Age and the interwar period.
• Origin & Maker: Pieces of this style—utilizing geometric opaline/milk glass bases paired with colored pressed glass lids and adjustable socket hardware—were predominantly manufactured in Europe, with Czechoslovakia, France, and Austria being the major hubs for decorative colored art glass and modernist desk sets during the 1920s and 30s. Because these mass-market luxury desk accessories were typically exported and rarely stamped or marked with maker’s signatures on the glass or hardware, the specific manufacturer usually remains anonymous unless found in a period wholesaler catalog.