Revolving (Snail) Inkstand – Pink and White Porcelain

Revolving inkstands like this are more commonly referred to as a “snail” inkwell because the reservoir looks like a snail’s shell. This inkstand features a porcelain ink reservoir (snail) on a porcelain saucer base, both with a pink and white color scheme. A brass bracket attached to the saucer has a stopper plate and pen rack.

The rotating “snail” reservoir pivots around two bearing points. Two adjustable screws fit into recesses of the snail. When not in use, the “trumpet” shaped end closes against a stopple plate. To open the inkwell, the snail is rotated until it contacts a stop on the base. The font is then open and ready for use.

The underside of this inkstand has the mark for “Breveté Brianchon” – a retailer in Paris known for selling or distributing Old Paris porcelain.

For a more thorough and accurate description of revolving inkstands, use the link below to access an article from The Stained Finger (Volume XXX number 4):

V30N4.pdf (inkwellresearch.com)