Recumbent Dog Inkstand

This inkstand, made by the J.P. Kayser Company, features a detailed figure of a recumbent long-haired dog. The dog is positioned prominently on a rectangular base, which has rounded corners and a slightly raised edge, serving as a pen tray. The dog’s fur is wavy with flowing texture. Its long, feathered ears and refined muzzle, along with its overall physique, suggest it is likely a retriever breed, such as a Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, or possibly a Setter.

The inkwell itself is located in the center of the inkstand, directly in front of the dog. It is covered by a hinged lid shaped like a stylized hat or cap. This lid is inscribed with a person’s name and the year 1911. The material of the inkstand is metal, consistent with Kayser’s renowned “Kayserzinn” (a lead-free pewter alloy) with a silver-plated finish.

About the J.P. Kayser Company:

The J.P. Kayser Company, officially J. P. Kayser Sohn AG, was a highly significant German metalware manufacturer.

• Founding and Evolution: The company’s roots go back to Johann Peter Kayser, who founded a small foundry in Cologne in 1844. His son, Engelbert Kayser (1840-1911), was instrumental in establishing the “Kayserzinn” brand. In 1885, his brother Jean Kayser built the “Leuconide- und Metallwarenfabrik J. P. Kayser Sohn” in Krefeld.
• Kayserzinn (1894-1912): The most famous period for the company was from 1894 to 1912, when they produced “Kayserzinn,” a special lead-free pewter alloy that was noted for its lasting gleam.
• Art Nouveau / Jugendstil: J.P. Kayser was a leading producer of Jugendstil (the German equivalent of Art Nouveau) objects. Their aim was to make artistically designed, contemporary objects accessible to a broader public through mass production.
• Designers: Engelbert Kayser established a design studio in Cologne in 1894, employing notable artists such as Hugo Leven (their main designer), Karl Geyer, Hermann Fauser, Karl Berghof, and Johann Christian Kroner (known for hunting motifs). These designers created around 800 different models.
• International Recognition: Kayserzinn received significant international acclaim, winning gold medals at major world exhibitions, including Paris (1900), Turin (1902), Düsseldorf (1904), and St. Louis (1904).
• Decline: The company’s artistic significance declined after the death of Engelbert Kayser in 1911. Factors like the outbreak of World War I and increasing tin prices led to the eventual bankruptcy of the “J. P. Kayser Sohn AG Krefeld Fabrik” in February 1930.