Jade and Carnelian Inkwell

This inkstand is made with beautiful semi-precious stones with sterling mounts. The spinach green jade bowl is mounted at the base and rim with engraved gilt silver borders. The hinged cover has a circular silver border with a silver insert. Applied to the cover is a stunning, intricately pierced celadon jade platform. A beautiful, hand-carved carnelian elephant on a silver gilt platform mounted above.

The tray on which the inkwell is mounted is a beautiful celadon jade with hand-carved floral designs and a ‘Greek-key’ style border. On the outside corners, four carnelian ball feet are mounted with gilt silver.

Edward Farmer (1872 – 1942), a New York City decorator, imported antique Chinese materials and had them incorporated into unique objects made for the American market.

This rare inkwell is marked along the exterior rim of the bowl ‘EDWARD I FARMER/ NEW YORK/ STERLING’ and the removable interior liner is marked ‘STERLING’.