Mr. Punch Stoneware Inkwell

This Mr. Punch salt glazed stoneware inkwell is incised on its back GARDNER’S INK WORKS LOWER WHITE CROSS STREET LONDON. The original Gardner’s Punch inkwell design was registered in 1851, but the raised date registration diamond on the back of this piece indicates it is a slightly later version from 1861.

Mr. Punch is an iconic comedy figure first recorded in England in 1662, but he originated as a 16th century Italian marionette character. In England Punch (and his wife Judy) were usually seen on glove-puppets, and they were originally intended for adult (rather than children’s) entertainment. The devil and Punch’s mistress Pretty Polly frequently appeared in the show, and Punch carried a stick which he used to beat the other characters (the origin of the term slapstick comedy).