Artisan-Crafted Wooden Double Inkstand

This wooden double inkstand is an example of an early 20th-century functional desk item, characterized by its symmetrical design and decorative woodwork.

Description

• The Structure: The inkstand consists of a large rectangular base with a prominent, book-matched wood grain pattern.
• The Inkwells: It features two square wooden compartments located at the rear corners. Each compartment has a hinged lid that opens to reveal a clear glass ink reservoir nested inside.
• Decorative Details: The front of the stand is adorned with a hand-carved floral and leaf border. The hinged lids are decorated with raised, carved geometric motifs centered with a small, light-colored bead or cabochon.
• Pen Rests: Two parallel wooden rails are mounted horizontally across the center of the base, serving as a cradle to hold dip pens.

Style and Construction

• Particular Style: This piece exhibits elements of the Folk Art tradition, particularly in the notched “chip-carving” seen along the outer edges of the base and the layered, geometric carvings on the lids.
• Type of Wood: The primary wood appears to be walnut or mahogany veneer for the base to achieve the striking book-matched grain, while the carved elements are likely made of a solid fruitwood or pine.
• Hand-Made: This inkstand is likely hand-made or artisan-crafted rather than mass-produced in a large factory. The variations in the hand-carved floral border and the use of small metal hinges suggest a small workshop or individual craftsman.

Age

Estimated Age: Circa 1920–1930.