Jennings Brothers – JB 1083

This is a cast metal inkwell manufactured by the Jennings Brothers Company, identified by the “JB 1083” mark on its underside. The inkwell has a dark bronze or patinated finish and a flowing design.

• Shape and Form: The inkwell has an organic, almost free-form shape. The base is asymmetrical and has a rippling or wavy edge and could accommodate a pen. It has a hinged, dome-shaped lid that echoes the curves and organic flow of the base. The hinge is at the back of the well, and the lid opens to reveal an inner milk glass insert.

Style and Age

• Style: The inkwell’s design is a clear example of the Art Nouveau style. This movement, prominent from the 1890s to the 1910s, is characterized by its use of sinuous, asymmetrical, and organic forms, often drawing inspiration from nature. The flowing lines on this inkwell are quintessential Art Nouveau elements.
• Age: Based on the “JB 1083” mark and the historical context of Jennings Brothers’ production, this inkwell was likely made during the company’s prime years of Art Nouveau output, which places its approximate age between 1890 and 1910.