Tortoise (Turtle) Double Inkstand

Description

• The Sculpture: The outer shell (carapace) and body are rendered in cast metal with a dark, patinated finish and green verdigris highlights emphasizing the textured scutes and skin. The realistic head extends forward, while the feet rest on an oval base.
• The Mechanism: The upper carapace is hinged at the rear, lifting open like a lid to reveal the interior compartment.
• The Inkwells: Inside sit two original removable white ceramic (porcelain) inserts. The ceramic liners feature handwritten inventory, registry, or stock numbers on their unglazed undersides.
• The Base: The tortoise rests securely mounted upon a heavy, stepped oval wooden base.

Where Was It Made?

Figural animalier desk pieces of this quality and style were predominantly produced in Western Europe—specifically within major artistic metalworking hubs in France, Austria (Vienna), or Great Britain during the height of the 19th-century “Animalier” movement, which celebrated realistic and whimsical depictions of nature.

When Was It Made?

This piece dates to the late 19th century (circa 1875–1900) when elaborate, naturalistic novelty inkstands were fashionable status symbols.