Boy in Fez Peering from Tobacco Leaves
| Categories | Middle East / Africa |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Markings | 7036 |
| Manufacturer | H L Judd |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | circa 1900 |
| Measuring | 6 ½” x 5 ¼” x 3” high |
Title: Antique American Cast Iron Inkwell – Orientalist Boy in Fez Peering from Tobacco Leaves
Description: A rare and charming Victorian-era figural inkwell featuring the head of a youth wearing a classic tasseled fez, appearing to peek out from a base formed by three large, overlapping tobacco leaves. The fez is hinged at the back, opening to reveal a removable clear glass ink insert.
Manufacturer: Likely H.L. Judd Mfg. Co. (Numbered 7036 on the underside). Period: Circa 1900. Material: Cast iron with original bronze luster finish. Condition Note: Original glass insert included; feet are intact.
This is a high-quality casting—the detail in the “peering” expression and the texture of the leaves are much finer than later reproductions.
Date and Material
- Circa: 1890–1910 (The height of the Orientalist trend in desk sets).
- Material: Cast iron with a bronze wash or bronze patina. The magnet test confirms it is iron, but the finish was designed to give it the prestige of solid bronze at a more accessible price point.
Sold for $213 in April 2026
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