Gouda Art Pottery Inkwell

This is a hand-painted earthenware inkwell produced by the Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland (PZH) factory in Gouda, Netherlands, exhibiting characteristic Dutch Art Deco-period design.

Form and Structure:

• Shape: The inkwell has a low, circular body with a broad, flat profile and gently sloping sides. It features a central aperture for a glass ink liner.
• Lid and Finial: The lid is circular and gently domed. At its center is a distinct finial that is tapered or pointed.
• Finish: The entire piece is covered in a high, clear gloss glaze typical of PZH’s “high glaze” production of the 1920s.

Decoration and Pattern:

The surface is covered in a dense, hand-painted design using a technique often referred to as claire-obscure, where colors are separated by fine black outlines.

• Color Palette: The colors are striking and bold, featuring vibrant blocks of cobalt blue, tangerine orange, rich yellow, and green, set against a paler cream or ivory background.
• Design Elements: The pattern is highly organized and abstract, showcasing the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco:
  • Geometric Bands: Fine linear work, dashes, and dots form concentric circles and bands around the rim and base.
  • Stylized Florals: The main decorative bands on both the body and the lid consist of repeating, abstract floral or botanical motifs that are highly stylized and symmetrically arranged.
• Pattern Identification: This specific decor, characterized by its bright colors and structured geometric/floral arrangement, is typical of PZH’s production in the mid-1920s.

Markings on the Underside (Base):

The base contains the key marks painted in blue under the glaze:

1. Factory Mark: The hand-painted House Mark (the small house or gate symbol with a triangular roof) identifies the manufacturer as Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland (PZH).
2. Date Code: The letter ‘S’ is visible near the bottom. This letter corresponds to the year 1924 in the PZH dating system.
3. Additional Marks: There are hand-painted code numbers or initials for the specific pattern/decor and the individual painter’s monogram.