Souvenir – Mardi Gras

This inkstand depicts Rex, the king of the Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) carnival, given as a favor at a Mardi Gras ball.  Rex (founded 1872) is a New Orleans Carnival Krewe which stages one of the city’s most celebrated parades on Mardi Gras Day. Rex is Latin for “King”, and Rex reigns as “The King of Carnival”. A krewe (pronounced “crew”) is a social organization that stages parades and balls for the Carnival season. The Rex Krewe assembles floats using techniques that have spanned generations, entirely by hand.

In addition to its famous parade, the Rex Organization also holds a private ball for its membership and its invited guests on Mardi Gras night. Before the night of the ball, Krewe members would invite their ladies, sending along a “favor” (sometimes referred to as “call outs”) with the invitation. This inkstand from 1911 is one such “favor”.

The inkstand depicts the head of “Rex” in high relief with his long flowing locks and beard. His crown swivels open to access the inkwell. The date 1911 is embossed on the right side.  Designed in the Art Nouveau style, the inkstand features sinuous, flowing lines in the design. The piece is made of brass plated cast iron.

The Antiques Roadshow had a segment on a Rex Mardi Gras Collection, which included this inkwell.

Rex Mardi Gras Collection | Antiques Roadshow | PBS