Composite Inkwell – Ceramic & Silver

This is a single inkwell mounted on a circular wooden base. It is an example of a decorative object made popular by the Victorian era’s fascination with Asian art and its combination with European craftsmanship.

• The Ceramic Body: The main body of the inkwell is a hand-painted ceramic piece, likely a type of pottery. The style of the decoration, with its finely rendered, polychrome floral sprays and a network of fine crackles in the glaze, is characteristic of Satsuma ware produced in Japan for the export market in the late 19th century. The colors are muted and naturalistic, painted on an off-white background.
• The Silver Mounts: The silver components—the collar around the neck of the ceramic body, the hinged lid, and the base—are all expertly crafted. The silver pieces hold the piece together, securing the ceramic body to the wooden base and housing the hinge for the lid.
• The Wooden Base: The entire assembly is mounted on a simple, round wooden base that has a dark finish. The Hallmarks and Origin

While the marks are difficult to decipher precisely, the visible symbols, such as a small bird-like mark, are consistent with French import marks for foreign-made silver, particularly from the late 19th century.

This means that a French silversmith or retailer likely purchased a piece of Japanese Satsuma pottery and created a custom sterling silver mount, converting it into a luxury desk accessory. This practice was common during the period of “Japonisme,” when European makers celebrated and adapted Japanese aesthetics.

Estimated Age

Based on the stylistic elements of the Satsuma pottery and the French silver hallmarks, this inkwell can be dated to the late 19th century (c. 1880-1900).