Teakettle Inkwell

Description of the Inkwell (Ink Bottle):

• Form:
  • Hexagonal Body: The inkwell has a hexagonal (six-sided) body, giving it a geometric and somewhat architectural shape.
  • Teakettle Spout: It features a distinct “teakettle” spout, which projects at an angle from the body. This is a characteristic feature of this type of inkwell.
  • Neck: The top of the inkwell has a short, cylindrical neck.
• Material:
  • Clambroth Glass: The inkwell is made of clambroth glass. The glass has a light blue tint.
  • Brass Cap: The spout is fitted with a brass cap which is threaded to screw on and off.
• Decoration:
  • Hand-Painted Floral Motifs: The inkwell is decorated with hand-painted floral motifs. These motifs appear to be stylized flowers in orange and blue.
  • Gold Trim: There is gold trim along the top edge of the inkwell and in concentric circles on the top.
• Functionality:
  • Ink Reservoir: The hexagonal body serves as the ink reservoir.
  • Spout: The teakettle spout allows for easy dipping of a pen.
  • Cap: The metal cap helps to prevent the ink from evaporating or spilling.
• Style and Period:
  • Victorian/Edwardian Era: The style of the inkwell and the hand-painted decoration suggest a date in the late 19th or early 20th century, during the Victorian or Edwardian era.

Understanding “Clambroth Glass”:

• Definition: “Clambroth” glass refers to a type of opaque glass that has a milky, semi-translucent appearance. It’s often described as having a soft, warm, and slightly grayish-white tone, reminiscent of the color of clam broth.
• Characteristics:
  • Opaque: It’s not fully transparent.
  • Milky Appearance: It has a milky, clouded look.
  • Soft Hue: It often has a subtle, warm hue, sometimes with a bluish or grayish tint.
• Historical Context: Clambroth glass was popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was used for various decorative and functional items, including inkwells, vases, and lamps.
• This Piece: In this case, the inkwell has a light blue tint, which is a variation of the clambroth style. Often the glass is white, and in this case the glass has had color added to the mix.