Figural Pen Wipe in the Form of a Moth

Insect Identification: Why it is a Moth

• The Wings: The wings feature prominent concentric circular markings known as eyespots (ocelli). These are classic defensive markings found on various large moth species, such as the Emperor moth or the Giant Peacock moth (Saturnia pyri), meant to startle predators.
• The Antennae and Head: One can see thick, downward-curving, plumose (feathered) or heavy antennae and large compound eyes characteristic of moths.
• The Body: The abdomen is split into a beautifully cast, segmented bronze underside and a thick, fuzzy upper back designed specifically to hold the natural bristle brush.

Function: The Pen Wipe

This piece served as a decorative and utilitarian luxury desk accessory. The dense, stiff natural bristles embedded into the moth’s upper abdomen were used by writers to clean excess ink and paper fibers from steel pen nibs to prevent corrosion and clogging.

Origin and Date: When and Where Was it Made?

• Where: It was made in Vienna, Austria. The impressed mark “GESCHÜTZT” is the German word for “Protected” or “Copyrighted,” serving as the Austro-Hungarian legal equivalent of a patent or registered design trademark. Vienna was world-renowned during this period for high-quality, naturalistic figural bronzes (often referred to as Vienna Bronzes or Wiener Bronze).
• When: This piece dates to circa 1890–1910.