“Triple Pump” Inkstand

This is a rare porcelain “triple pump” inkstand. It features a large, shell-shaped porcelain tray with a nautical theme. The tray is molded with undulating curves and embellished with both painted and gilded decorations. The central area depicts a coastal scene with ships sailing on a blue-grey sea under a pale sky. On the shoreline, there are depictions of nautical elements such as an anchor, barrels, a capstan and other dockside machinery. The edges of the tray are gilded and feature contrasting sections of dark blue porcelain with ornate gold scrollwork.

Rising from the tray are three distinct inkwell assemblies, each employing the “pump” mechanism that gives this type of inkstand its name. These inkwells are positioned symmetrically on the tray, two at the sides and one more centrally located towards the back. Each assembly consists of:

• A Main Ink Reservoir: This is a cylindrical container, made of dark blue porcelain. The exterior of this reservoir is decorated with gilded patterns that complement the tray’s design. Each reservoir has an ornate brass lid with a turn knob.
• An Integrated Dipping Font: Situated at the side of each main inkwell is a smaller, open dipping font. This is where the user would dip their pen to retrieve ink.
• The “Pump” Mechanism: This is the key feature of the inkstand. Inside each of the three main ink reservoirs is a porcelain plunger or cylinder, as shown in one of the images. The metal lid of each inkwell incorporates a turning knob or mechanism that is connected to this internal cylinder.

The “Triple Pump” Ink Level Adjustment Mechanism:

The ingenious design allows the user to adjust the ink level in each of the three dipping fonts individually through a process of displacement:

1. Raising the Ink Level: By rotating the turning knob on the inkwell lid, the attached porcelain cylinder or plunger inside the main reservoir is lowered. As the cylinder moves downwards, it reduces the volume within the main reservoir. This displacement of air or ink forces ink upwards and into the smaller, connected dipping font, thus raising the ink level in the dipping area.
2. Lowering the Ink Level: Conversely, rotating the knob in the opposite direction raises the porcelain cylinder. This increases the volume within the main reservoir, allowing excess ink in the dipping font to drain back down into the main reservoir, thereby lowering the ink level in the dipping area.

This system provided a clean and controlled way to access ink, preventing large amounts from being exposed to air and reducing the risk of spills.