Nautilus Shell Inkstand

This porcelain inkstand crafted in the form of a stylized nautilus shell is marked RPM Bavaria.

Key Features:

• Form:
  • Nautilus Shell Shape: The main body of the inkstand is shaped like a nautilus shell, featuring a prominent spiral form with segmented ridges that run along the shell’s curve.
  • Rectangular Base: The nautilus shell rests on a rectangular base, providing stability and a contrasting geometric element.
  • Two Holes for Pens: Two holes are incorporated into the design at the top of the base, to hold pens.
• Material:
  • Porcelain: The inkstand is made of porcelain.
• Decoration:
  • Gold Accents: The inkstand is decorated with gold accents, highlighting the edges of the shell’s segments, the rim of the base, and the lids of the inkwell and sander.
  • White Glaze: The main body of the inkstand is finished with a white glaze, providing a clean and elegant backdrop for the gold accents.
• Lids:
  • Two Removable Lids: The inkstand features two removable lids, each with a conical knob.
  • Gold Detailing: The lids are decorated with gold, matching the other accents on the inkstand.
• Functionality:
  • Inkwell: One of the compartments beneath the lids is an inkwell, to hold ink.
  • Sander (Pounce Pot): The other compartment is a sander or pounce pot, used to hold fine sand or powder for blotting ink.

RPM Bavaria:

• RPM: This stands for Rheinpfälzische Porzellanmanufaktur, or the Rheinish Palatinate Porcelain Manufactory.
• Location: The company was located in the region of Bavaria, Germany.
• Period: RPM Bavaria operated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Products: They were known for producing a variety of porcelain items, including decorative pieces, tableware, and utilitarian objects like inkstands.