Amber Glass Inkwell

Description

• Material & Color: The inkwell is crafted from thick, heavy, leaded art glass in a rich, deep amber (or dark topaz/honey) color. The lid features a slightly lighter, more vibrant golden-yellow amber hue.
• Form & Cut: The main body is cut into a blocky, rhomboid/diamond shape when viewed from the side, but it is technically an octagon featuring eight wide, flat panels. Every edge is precision wheel-cut and polished with sharp, clean bevels (facets) that eliminate any mold lines.
• Lid & Collar: The matching amber glass lid is also diamond-shaped with steep, faceted edges and a multi-tiered, starburst- or dome-faceted top. The width of the lid is 2 ¾ inches wide. The lid is securely mounted via a simple, low-profile brass collar and hinge assembly. The brass shows an unpolished, authentic aged patina, with a finely knurled or beaded decorative band running along the upper and lower edges of the collar.
• Base & Interior: The interior features a deep, cylindrical, hand-ground well to hold the ink. The underside of the base is perfectly smooth and flat-polished with wide, sharp-beveled edges, typical of high-end lapidary glasswork.

How Old Is It?

This style of heavy, deeply colored, geometric faceted glass inkwell dates to the late 19th century to early 20th century, specifically the Historicist, Biedermeier, or early Art Nouveau period (circa 1880–1910).

The combination of a heavy, thick-walled lead crystal block, precision lapidary wheel-cutting, and a simple brass hinge collar is classic for desktop luxury goods of the 1890s.