Japanese Silver Inkstand

Period: Meiji Period (1868–1912), consistent with the style of elaborate export silver and the historical context of metalworkers transitioning from weaponry to decorative arts.

Material and Construction:

• Material: The primary material is silver, as confirmed by the hallmark.
• Surface Finish: The piece features a distinct hammered surface (often referred to as Tsuchime in Japanese metalwork), which provides a rich, tactile texture across the base. This hand-wrought finish is a testament to traditional metalworking techniques.
• Form: It is a substantial, highly decorative desk inkstand featuring a rectangular base with undulating, naturally formed edges that enhance its organic aesthetic.

Decorative Elements and Imagery:

The inkstand is richly adorned with three-dimensional, high-relief floral motifs, a signature characteristic of Meiji-era metalwork that catered to Western demand for Oriental exoticism.

• Floral Motifs: The blossoms decorating the stand are characterized by full, layered petals that radiate outward. These forms are most consistent with the Chrysanthemum (Kiku), the official flower of the Imperial House of Japan, a common and significant motif in Japanese art. These floral elements are executed in high relief, appearing to burst forth from the hammered silver surface.
• Relief Work: The floral and leaf elements contrast sharply with the plain, hammered silver background, demonstrating expert use of repoussé and chasing techniques.

Components and Functionality:

The inkstand is a complete desk set designed to hold various writing tools:

1. Dual Inkwells:
   • The stand features two dedicated recesses to hold the two individual glass inkwells.
   • Each inkwell is fitted with a swivel cover/lid, allowing the user to open and close the ink pots easily.
2. Central Utility Holder:
   • A central glass container with silver lid would hold writing implements.
3. Pen Holder:
   • There are hooks on which to lay a pen.

The Japanese Hallmark:

The mark is for Japanese silver stamping, typically used on high-quality Meiji period (1868–1912) export silver or later.

The mark consists of three elements read vertically:

1. First Character (Top): This character is 純 (Jun).
   • Meaning: Pure, genuine, unadulterated.
2. Second Character (Middle): This character is 銀 (Gin).
   • Meaning:
3. Third Character (Bottom): This character appears to be 製 (Sei).
   • Meaning: Made, manufactured, or product of.

Reading and Interpretation:

The combined reading of the three characters is 純銀製 (Jun-gin-sei).

This translates to: “Made of Pure Silver” or “Pure Silver Manufacture”

This mark is a quality stamp indicating that the entire object is composed of silver, typically meeting or exceeding the sterling standard (though Japanese silver purity often varied; for export, it was sometimes 900/1000 or 950/1000, and sometimes higher, but this mark indicates it is genuine silver, not merely plated).

This type of mark is consistent with decorative Japanese metalware made for the Western market in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.