Salt-Glazed Stoneware Inkstand

This salt-glazed stoneware inkstand is distinguished by its intricate relief decoration and a classic blue-on-grey color scheme. It features a rectangular form with a lower gallery designed for pens and quills, and an inkwell and a sander on top.

Description of the Inkstand:

• Material and Glaze: The inkstand is made of stoneware, characterized by its dense, non-porous body. The surface exhibits a salt glaze, giving it a distinctive, slightly mottled, and glossy texture due to salt being thrown into the kiln during firing. The primary color is a natural grey or off-white, common for unglazed stoneware, with the raised decorative elements highlighted in a vibrant cobalt blue.
• Construction: The inkstand was made from thin clay slabs, meticulously joined to form its rectangular box-like shape. This method of slab construction is evident in the crisp edges and geometric form.
• Decoration – Hearts and Birds (“Love Birds”): An ornately pieced gallery runs along the front and sides of the inkstand. This gallery is richly decorated with deeply carved or molded relief patterns in cobalt blue.
  • The dominant motifs are stylized birds, typically interpreted as “love birds” due to their traditional pairing and placement, often facing each other within ornate scrolled cartouches. These birds are depicted with detailed feathers and expressive forms.
  • Interspersed with the scrolls are heart-shaped elements, reinforcing a romantic theme.
  • The overall scrollwork is intricate and flowing, characteristic of folk art.
  • The corners of the top surface feature rounded, button-like blue embellishments, and blue bands outline the edges, providing definition to the piece.
• Functional Elements:
  • Inkwell and Sander: The top surface features two distinct circular openings. One holds an inkwell and the other a sander (a pot with a perforated top for sprinkling sand over wet ink to blot it). Both the inkwell and the sander opening are rimmed with cobalt blue.
  • Pen Gallery: The lower, open compartment along the front served as a convenient resting place for quills or pens.
• Four Holes in the Base: The base of the inkstand has four evenly spaced holes. These holes are ventilation holes to allow gases to escape during the high-temperature firing process. This prevents the piece from cracking or exploding due to trapped moisture or air during firing. They also aid in even drying of the clay before firing.

Origin:

• Westerwald Region of Germany: The material (salt-glazed stoneware), the distinctive cobalt blue decoration against a grey body, the relief carving style, and the types of motifs (birds, hearts, elaborate scrolling) are consistent with salt-glazed stoneware production from the Westerwald region of Germany. Westerwald was a major center for stoneware production from the 16th century well into the 19th century, famous for its durable and decorative wares.