“Teakettle” Fountain Inkwell

Form and Function

• Type: Fountain Inkwell (or Reservoir Inkwell), commonly nicknamed a “Teakettle” or “Gravity” inkwell due to its design.
• Shape: The main body of the inkwell is molded into a distinctive “corset waist” or hourglass shape. The base flares out, the middle constricts, and the top shoulder of the body curves inward before meeting the neck.
• Neck/Spout: The prominent feature is the neck, which extends upward at an angle from the shoulder of the body. The opening at the end of the neck is where the pen would be dipped.

Material and Manufacturing

• Material: Opalescent Glass, specifically white or milk glass. The glass exhibits a translucent white base color.
• Manufacturing: The piece was made using a snapcase (or snap-ring) mold technique. This is evident by the smooth, fire-polished base and the absence of a pontil mark, which indicates the mold was complete and held the piece securely during the final shaping and finishing.
• Molding: The body of the inkwell is segmented into vertical panels or sections due to the molding process, giving it a fluted appearance.

Decoration

• Hand Painted: The inkwell features hand-painted decoration.
• Motif: The decoration consists of small, delicate floral sprays or bouquets—likely roses and leaves—painted in muted colors such as pinks, blues, and greens.
• Placement: The painted flowers are placed on alternating sections of the molded glass body, leaving the intervening panels of white opalescent glass undecorated.