Dog – Glazed Pottery Inkwell

This inkwell is made in the form of a recumbent dog (resembling a hound or whippet) resting atop an oval molded base. The dog is posed with its head raised and turned slightly to its right, wearing a simple molded collar.

A single circular dipping hole is positioned in the base directly in front of the dog’s right flank to allow access to the internal ink reservoir. The base has a smooth, rounded edge, and the underside is hollowed out with an unglazed foot rim surrounding a dark brown glazed recessed center.

Material & Glaze

The item is made of yellowware/buff earthenware finished in a mottled, lead-based brown glaze commonly referred to as a Rockingham glaze (or “treacle” glaze).

• Glaze Characteristics: The glaze exhibits a rich combination of dark chocolate brown streaks breaking over lighter honey/amber areas, creating a tortoiseshell effect. Fine, clean glaze crazing (a subtle network of fine cracks) is visible across the body.
• Color Note: While the glaze shows warm ochre and dark brown variations, it lacks green copper oxides; the lighter undertones are the natural buff-clay showing through the translucent amber-brown glaze.

Age & Origin

• Estimated Date: Circa 1850–1880 (Mid-to-late 19th Century).
• Origin: United States (likely Ohio potteries such as East Liverpool, or Bennington, Vermont)
• Context: Rockingham-glazed figural wares (dogs, lions, and reclining animals) were produced in significant quantities by American potteries during the 1850s–1870s peak of yellowware manufacturing.