Souvenirs – Pixie Inkwells

In the southwest corner of England, in Cornwall, Dartmoor, Devon, there is a rich folklore history concerning Pixies.

Pixies are wee, magical creatures who throw merry parties and shower blessings across the English countryside, especially in Devon and Cornwall. They are beloved for their childlike appearance and bubbly spirits, even though they do play the occasional prank on travelers, leading them astray on the lonely moors. Pixies are said to live in hollow trees or stumps, complete with miniature windows and gardens.

Pictured are three Pixie inkwells, souvenirs from these areas.

1. A smiling brass Cornwall Pixie is sitting astride a mushroom with a snail on top. The snail is the handle for the mushroom cap lid. 1 ¾” x 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” tall
2. Brass Dartmouth Pixie overlooks a mushroom inkwell with a hinged lid. The lid’s handle is a snail, and two snails form a pen holder. The woodland floor is detailed with bugs, spiders, worms, acorns, and a fly. Marked RG on the base and REG on the side. 4 ½” x 3 ½” x 4” tall
3. A bronze Dartmoor Pixie is sitting on a tree stump (the inkwell) surrounded by seven toad stools. The tree stump has a lid that is hinged in the back. 4” in diameter; 4 ¾” tall

Also pictured is a bronze pen tray with a dancing Pixie (fabled from the Moorland wilds) on top of mushrooms in front of a mountain sunrise, all in high relief. Numbered and marked “England”.