Orchid Blossom Inkwell

Two examples are pictured: one is made of copper and the other is made of brass.

This inkwell is a distinctive example of Art Nouveau figural metalwork, modeled in the form of a large, blooming orchid blossom.

Description

• The Form: The design captures the exotic, organic essence of an orchid, featuring broad, ruffled petals that spread out to form the base.
• The Ink Reservoir: The central “labellum” or lip of the orchid is engineered as a hinged lid. When lifted, it reveals the inkwell.
• Material: One piece is crafted from copper, displaying a rich, aged reddish-brown patina with darker accents that highlight the “veins” and folds of the petals. The other example is made of brass. During the Jugendstil period, many foundries produced the exact same design in both copper and brass to offer different price points and aesthetic choices for consumers.
• The Handle/Stem: At the rear, a curved, loop-like “stem” provides both a decorative flourish and a functional handle.

Origin and Marking Identification

The mark “GESCHÜTZT” found on the underside is a vital clue to its heritage:

• Definition: Geschützt is a German term meaning “Protected” or “Copyrighted” (similar to Déposé in France or Registered in England).
• Manufacturing Region: This mark indicates the piece was produced in a German-speaking region, most likely Germany or Austria.
• Era: It was made during the height of the Jugendstil movement (the German equivalent of Art Nouveau), circa 1895–1910.

The orchid motif was a favorite of Jugendstil designers, symbolizing the era’s fascination with exoticism and the untamed beauty of nature.