Magical (?) Inkstand / Match Holder

There is a lot going on with this inkstand on a white marble base. First the basics: the drum is an inkwell. It’s hinged – the drumsticks act as a finial. The receptacle to the right would hold a candle. The table in the back draped with a cloth with tassels around the edges is hinged. It opens to store matches.

The rabbit on the table is smoking a pipe. The bowl of the pipe serves as a “go to bed” match holder. These were designed to hold a single match, providing just enough light to get into bed after snuffing out the candle. The match would burn briefly, offering a safe and convenient way to navigate in the dark.

Also on the table are three juggling balls and links of chain (or three rings). Perhaps the table is a magician’s stand. The rabbit, three balls, and chain links fit in with a magician’s act. But what about the bugle? And the dog running towards a dish of food? Maybe the dog is doing his own magic trick by making the food disappear!