Delft Blue Inkwell

Description

• Shape: This inkwell is square with a bombé (bulging) body and scalloped corners, creating a quatrefoil-like appearance.
• Feet: It stands on four scroll feet, one at each corner of the square base.
• Decoration: It features the classic blue and white hand-painted decoration. The sides are adorned with floral sprays and stylized leaves. The shoulder has a decorative frieze of scrolling motifs.
• Lid: The lid is circular with a distinct knob finial, decorated with radial floral/geometric patterns.
• Material: It is Faience (tin-glazed earthenware), evidenced by the yellowish clay body visible where the white glaze has chipped on the feet.

Deciphering the Mark

The blue mark on the underside appears to be the monogram “AK” (with the letters interlaced). Below the monogram, there is a painted number, likely “451” or similar.

• The “AK” Mark: This monogram is historically associated with Adriaan Kocx, the owner of the famous De Grieksche A (The Greek A) factory in Delft from 1686 to 1701.
• The Number: The presence of the mold/pattern number (“451”) is a key clue for dating. 17th-century Delftware generally did not have pattern numbers painted like this.

When and Where was it made?

• Date: Late 19th to Early 20th Century (c. 1880–1920).
• Origin: While the style is Dutch, this piece is likely a French reproduction.
  • The “Samson” Connection: The famous Parisian firm Edme Samson et Cie (active 1845–1969) specialized in museum-quality reproductions of antique ceramics. They frequently copied the “AK” mark of Adriaan Kocx on their Delft-style wares to honor the original 17th-century designs.
  • Alternative: It could also be from a Northern French faience factory like Desvres (e.g., Fourmaintraux), which produced vast quantities of “Delft” style items during this period using similar marks.

Conclusion: It is an antique “Delft Revival” inkwell, made in France around 1900, paying homage to the master potters of the Dutch Golden Age.