Tudric Pewter Inkstand

This is a pewter inkstand, highly characteristic of the Arts & Crafts movement with strong Art Nouveau influences, featuring an organic design.

• Form and Design:
  • Irregular, Naturalistic Shape: The overall form of the inkstand flows organically, mimicking natural shapes found in plants or water. The edges of the base are undulating and irregular.
  • Inkwell: A central, circular housing holds the inkwell. This housing is integrated seamlessly into the flowing design of the base.
  • Hinged Lid: The inkwell is topped with a hinged lid. The lid itself is domed and features a low-relief, stylized floral or seed-pod motif, with fluid lines emanating from it.
  • Organic Relief Decoration: The surface of the inkstand, particularly the base and around the inkwell housing, is decorated with stylized plant forms or “whiplash” curves in low relief.

“Tudric” and Manufacturer:

• “Tudric” is the brand name for a significant line of pewterware manufactured by W.H. Haseler of Birmingham specifically for Liberty & Co. of London.
• Liberty & Co. launched its “Cymric” (silver) range in 1899, followed by the “Tudric” (pewter) range in 1902.
• W.H. Haseler manufactured almost all the pewterware for Liberty until 1926.
• The designs for Tudric ware were often created by influential designers such as Archibald Knox (who designed many iconic pieces for both Cymric and Tudric ranges) and others like David Veasey and Oliver Baker.

• The mark “Made in England” confirms its origin, and the number “0404” is the design or pattern number for this specific inkwell model within the Tudric range.
• Given its design number “0404” and known examples, this specific model is often attributed to Archibald Knox and is categorized as exemplifying both Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau principles. It’s a prime example of the “Liberty Style.”

• The “Tudric” range was launched in 1902.
• Specific examples of the “0404” inkwell are consistently dated to circa 1902-1905 or circa 1905.