Bronze and Glass Inkstand

1. General Structure and Base

The inkstand is comprised of a square, thick-walled glass base held within a decorative bronze frame.

• Bronze Holder/Frame: The heavy, square frame is cast bronze with a rich, dark patina.
  • Feet: The inkstand rests on four ornate bun feet that lift the piece slightly off the desk surface.
  • Edges/Rim Decoration: The outer bronze rim of the frame is decorated with a continuous band of delicate, repeating acanthus leaf or scrollwork molding.

1. The Glass Base (Tray)

The thick, clear glass serves as the base and is heavily cut and polished.

• Cutting Pattern: The base features a radiating starburst design centered directly beneath where the inkwell sits.
• Pen Rest: The glass base incorporates two shallow, semi-circular cut-outs positioned on opposite sides intended to cradle a pen.

III. The Fitted Inkwell

The central inkwell is a separate piece, a square, faceted glass inkwell fitted into a bronze decorative casing.

• Decoration: The body of the bronze inkwell casing is decorated with three-dimensional, relief-cast garlands or swags—wreaths of fruits, flowers, and leaves suspended between decorative elements.
• Hinged Lid Decoration: The hinged bronze lid is domed and features a molded design, a small medallion at its center, surrounded by radiating lines or petals.
• Finial: The lid is topped with a distinctive finial. This finial resembles a stylized pinecone.