Inkipedia
Charles “Chinese” Gordon Commemorative Ink Bottle
| Categories | Ink Bottle |
| Material | Glass |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | England |
| Date or Era | circa 1885 |
| Measuring | 4 ¼” diameter base; 3” high |
An ink bottle commemorating the death of Major-General Charles George Gordon, also known as Chinese Gordon, Gordon Pasha, and Gordon of Khartoum. Embossed on the glass: “Born 223rd Jan 1833” and “Died at Khartoum 26th Jan 1885”. There was strong public support and sympathy for Gordan as evidenced by this ink bottle. The design of the ink bottle is attributed to Thomas Kidd.
The piece is large for an ink bottle, although the ink reservoir only holds a couple of ounces of ink. It is made of deep red glass – it appears black but shows red in a strong light. The lid is missing.
Sold for $125 in April 2024
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