Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Inkwell

Description

• The Form: The inkwell features a wide, circular splayed base that tapers upward into a conical or “beehive” shaped body. This low-profile, weighted geometry was a favorite in the Arts & Crafts movement for its stability and “grounded” architectural feel.
• The Texture: The entire exterior—from the base to the lid—is covered in visible hammer marks (planishing). These marks are consistent and rhythmic, showing the skilled hand work of an artisan rather than the uniform finish of a machine.
• The Lid: It has a simple, domed circular lid that is hinged to the body. The lid is topped with a small, rounded copper knob as a finial.
• The Insert: The interior contains its original clear glass reservoir.
• The Underside: The base is unmarked. In the early 20th century, many exceptional pieces were produced by independent “Guild” workshops (such as the Art Craft Guild or small “village” copper shops in the UK like Newlyn) that focused on the work itself rather than branding.

Style & Origin

• Style: Mission / Arts & Crafts. The design is strictly functional, relying on the warmth of the copper and the texture of the hammer for decoration rather than applied ornaments.
• Age: Circa 1900–1915. This was the peak period for hand-wrought copper desk accessories in both the United States and England.
• Construction: The lack of a mark, combined with the quality of the hinge and the specific flare of the circular base, suggests it may be the work of a highly skilled individual craftsman or a boutique shop that sold through high-end department stores or at local craft fairs.