Aladin Earthenware Inkwell

This is a small, decorative ceramic inkwell with a hinged lid, featuring a whimsical floral design and a distinctive crackled glaze. Its playful aesthetic and “Aladin” marking suggest a French origin and a likely production period in the early to mid-20th century.

Detailed Description:

• Material: Glazed earthenware
• Form:
  • Cylindrical Body: The inkwell has a short, cylindrical body.
  • Hinged Lid: A hinged lid covers the ink reservoir.
  • Knob: A small knob is attached to the top of the lid, serving as a handle.
• Decoration:
  • Hand-Painted Floral Motifs: The inkwell is decorated with hand-painted floral motifs in vibrant colors, including pink, blue, green, and orange.
  • Stylized Flowers: The flowers are stylized, with thick black outlines and simplified forms, giving them a whimsical and playful look.
  • Crackled Glaze: The inkwell has a crackled glaze, which is a deliberate effect that creates a network of fine lines across the surface.
  • Yellow Background: The inkwell has a yellow background, providing a bright backdrop for the floral motifs.
  • Holes: There are four pen holes.
• Markings:
  • “Aladin – Made in France” (Underside): This is the maker’s mark, indicating that the inkwell was made by Aladin, a French ceramic manufacturer.