Gnome Next to a Toadstool

This is a delightful antique novelty inkwell dating to the turn of the century (c. 1890–1910). It is a fine example of the “fairy tale” or folklore aesthetic that was popular at that time.

Visual Description

• The Figure: The inkwell features a charming, characterful gnome (or dwarf) seated at the base of a large toadstool. He is depicted in traditional folklore attire: a tall, pointed black cap, a white beard, a dark tunic, and red leggings. His right hand is raised in a friendly waving or conversational gesture, giving the piece a lively, animated quality.
• The Setting: The central element is a large toadstool (resembling the classic Amanita muscaria or fly agaric) with a vibrant red cap dotted with cream/gold spots. The stalk is thick and textured to resemble organic matter. At the base, there is a smaller, budding mushroom button and hints of green foliage, grounding the scene in a forest floor setting.
• Functionality: The large red cap of the toadstool is hinged at the back. When flipped open, it reveals a white ceramic inkpot nestled inside the stalk.
• Material & Technique: cold-painted spelter.
  • Spelter: A zinc alloy often used as a more affordable alternative to bronze.
  • Cold-Painted: The paint was applied to the metal after casting (without firing), which gives it a matte, naturalistic finish. This technique is prone to chipping over time, which explains the paint loss visible on the gnome’s hat and the mushroom cap – a common and expected sign of age for these pieces.

Origin and History

It is highly probable that it was manufactured in Germany or Austria.

• The “Vienna Bronze” Influence: This specific style of “gnome under a mushroom” is heavily associated with Austrian (Vienna) and German foundries (such as the works of Franz Bergman or smaller Nuremberg makers). They were the masters of cold-painted whimsical miniatures.