Majolica Inkstand – Cats on Unicycles

This is a whimsical majolica (or barbotine) inkstand, likely produced in the late 19th or early 20th century (c. 1890–1910).

The impressed mark “1172” on the base – combined with the specific whimsical theme—points strongly toward a German or Bohemian (Austrian) manufacturer, such as Bernhard Bloch (Eichwald) or Johann Maresch (Aussig). These firms were famous for their high-relief, anthropomorphic animal figures and typically used four-digit numerical shape marks like this one.

The “Animals on Wheels” Series

This inkstand is part of a charming, humorous series of desk accessories featuring animals performing “human” circus-like feats. This was a popular trend during the Belle Époque, reflecting the rise of the bicycle as a symbol of modern leisure.

• The Cats: The relief decorations show kittens riding penny-farthings (bicycles with one large and one small wheel) or unicycles.
• The Companion Piece: The “Crocodile (or Alligator) Riding a Bicycle”, also documented in Inkipedia, is a “sister” piece to this set. See: Majolica Inkstand – Crocodile Riding a Bicycle – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)

Detailed

• Form: A footed inkstand with a central, integrated cylindrical inkwell and a wide, curved pen tray.
• Decoration: The piece is decorated in high relief with cats pedaling unicycles across a plain background. The front and sides are embellished with wild roses or anemones and green foliage.
• Glaze & Color: The vibrant, deep red (claret) is characteristic of the rich lead glazes used in late Victorian majolica. The figures and flowers are hand-painted in polychrome glazes of gray, green, and cream.
• Lid: The matching lid features a decorative finial that appears to be a stylized leaf or bud, continuing the botanical theme found on the tray.
• The “1172” Mark: This is a shape or model number. While German makers are the primary candidates, French factories like Onnaing or Sarreguemines did produce similar whimsical animal barbotines; however, their marking systems typically differed from this specific block-numerical style.