Gutta Percha Inkstand

Gutta percha is a natural latex material derived from the sap of specific trees found in Southeast Asia. Gutta percha becomes pliable when heated, making it easy to mold. Upon cooling, it hardens and retains its shape. In making this inkwell the gutta percha material would have been heated to make it malleable, then pressing it into molds, resulting in the elaborate scrollwork and fine details of this inkstand. The inkstand holds two glass inkwells with hinged gutta percha lids, has a shell-shaped storage area, and a pen tray.