Hammered Brass Over Wood Pyramidal Inkwell

This inkwell is an example of “Brass Craft” offered by Thayer & Chandler of Chicago, as featured in their 1909 catalog. It embodies the aesthetic principles of the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized handcraftsmanship, natural motifs, and honest materials.

The inkwell takes a bold four-sided pyramidal form. Each of the four sloping sides is adorned with a stylized representation of oak leaves. The raised outlines and textured surfaces of the leaves were created using repoussé or chasing techniques, hallmarks of hand-worked metal.

The construction of the inkwell is noteworthy. It comprises thin sheets of brass that have been applied over a wooden core. This method would have allowed for a lighter feeling while providing a stable structure for the hammered brass work. The presence of rivets along the edges and at key points on the faces indicates the method of attachment. The rivets serve not only a functional purpose but also contribute to the overall visual texture. A separate, circular lid crafted from solid brass sits atop the pyramidal form, secured in the center by a small, rounded knob.

Thayer & Chandler was a well-known Chicago-based company that supplied artists’ materials and also produced decorative metalwork, as evidenced by their “Brass Craft” line. The Arts and Crafts movement was highly influential in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Thayer & Chandler’s foray into handcrafted brass items aligns perfectly with this artistic trend.

Also pictured is a double inkstand with a design of two facing griffins, pictured in a 1910 catalog.

Cross Reference: Hammered Copper – Leaves & Cherries – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)