Inkipedia
Chamberlain’s Worcester Porcelain Inkstand
| Categories | Ceramics/Porcelain "Named" Makers |
| Material | Porcelain, Wood |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Chamberlains Worcester |
| Origin | England |
| Date or Era | circa 1840 |
| Measuring | 16 ½” x 10 ½” x 7” |
- Overall Structure: The inkstand is composed of a wooden base, upon which three porcelain vessels are mounted, flanked by two elaborate bronze or brass handles.
- Wooden Base: The base is a rectangular, mahogany tray with raised edges. It features a channel for pens. The edges of the wood are adorned with a continuous strip of ornate gilt metalwork.
- Porcelain Components (Chamberlain’s Worcester):
- Two Inkwells: On either side of the central vase, there are two lidded porcelain inkwells. They are squat, bulbous forms with a cobalt blue ground color. This blue is extensively decorated with finely painted polychrome floral sprays and garlands in vibrant colors such as pinks, yellows, blues, and greens, accented with extensive gilding. The gilding appears as intricate patterns, scrolls, and bands that highlight the contours of the inkwells and frame the floral motifs. Each inkwell has a matching lid with a finial.
- Central Vase/Spill Vase: In the center stands a porcelain vase, often called a spill vase, which would have held quills or other writing implements. Unlike the inkwells, this vase has a white or cream ground color, making the floral decoration even more prominent. It features similar polychrome floral arrangements to the inkwells, often covering much of its surface.
- Metal Mounts and Handles:
- Feet: The entire wooden base rests on four ornate, cast brass feet, one at each corner.
- Inkwell Bases: Each porcelain inkwell sits on its own separate, highly decorative gilt metal base, mirroring the style of the main feet.
- Side Handles: Two large, scrolling handles are attached to the ends of the wooden base. These are also made of brass and feature openwork design.
- “Chamberlain’s Worcester” Mark: The porcelain is marked in red script “Chamberlain’s Worcester”. Chamberlains was a prominent porcelain factory in Worcester, England, known for its high-quality wares, often incorporating rich colors, intricate gilding, and fine hand-painted decoration. Their pieces were particularly popular in the early to mid-19th century.
Sold for $299 in May 2025
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