Craftsman Studios Inkwell / Pen Tray

This is an early (Los Angeles) Craftsman inkwell / pen holder combination with a repoussé trefoil design on the hinged lid. It is missing its inkwell and is unsigned.

The Craftsman Studios was started in 1918 in Brooklyn, New York by Carl Wirths, a WWI veteran who picked up his metalworking trade as part of his rehabilitation from his wounds. The company moved to California in 1920 and was located first in Los Angeles and then in Laguna Beach. The company went through several incarnations, including Craftsmen Inc. and Craftsmen Co. The company’s Laguna Beach period is estimated to have lasted from the late 1920’s until possibly the early 1950’s.

Pictures of an inkwell and a desk box added. Both are products of Craftsman Studios. Both are crafted from hammered copper with a repoussé trefoil design on their hinged lids.

Inkwell:

• Form: The inkwell has a square, box-like form with a hinged lid.
• Material and Technique: It is made of hammered copper, showcasing the hand-worked texture and the warm, patinated finish typical of Arts & Crafts metalwork. The hammering creates a dimpled or “hammered” surface.
• Repoussé Design: The hinged lid features a repoussé trefoil design, meaning the design is pushed out from the back, creating a raised, three-dimensional effect. The trefoil, a stylized three-lobed leaf, is a common motif in Arts & Crafts design, symbolizing nature and growth.
• Tray Integration: The inkwell sits on a larger, oval tray with a central divider and two pen rests on either side.

Curio Box:

• Form: The curio box has a rectangular, box-like form with a hinged lid, similar in style to the inkwell.
• Material and Technique: It is also made of hammered copper, matching the inkwell in material, texture, and finish.
• Repoussé Design: The lid features the same repoussé trefoil design as the inkwell, creating a cohesive set.

Markings: Both pieces have the same engraved markings on the bottom – an “S” with a “C” around it.

Craftsman Studios:

Craftsman Studios was a metalworking company that operated during the Arts & Crafts movement, primarily in the early 20th century. While not as well-known as some other Arts & Crafts metalworkers, they produced a range of copper and metalware items, including desk accessories, lighting, and decorative objects.  Craftsman Studios was part of the broader Arts & Crafts movement, which emphasized handcraftsmanship, simple designs, and the use of natural materials.