Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass Inkwell

This copper and brass inkwell is a distinctive example of the Arts and Crafts movement, likely produced in the United Kingdom or the United States during the early 20th century.

Detailed Description

• The Design: The inkwell features a severe, geometric aesthetic. It consists of a square central well body mounted on a larger tray with wavy, “scalloped” edges.
• Decorative Elements: The piece is notable for its industrial-inspired detailing. The edges of the central square are reinforced with brass straps secured by rows of raised, pyramidal studs or rivets. Each face of the well features a large, central circular “boss” or dome.
• The Lid: The hinged lid is a large, hammered copper sphere. The “dimpled” texture is a hallmark of the Arts and Crafts style, showing the “hand of the maker”. When opened, the lid reveals a circular opening for an internal ink reservoir.
• Material and Finish: The piece is primarily crafted from heavy-gauge copper with contrasting brass or bronze structural straps. It has a deep, aged brown patina.
• Construction: The underside shows a circular pattern of small rivets or pins used to attach the internal components to the base, which is consistent with early 20th-century metalworking.