Urn-Shaped Inkwell

This is a handsome Neoclassical-style inkwell constructed from brass and mounted on a marble base. It was likely made in England or Continental Europe during the late 19th to early 20th century (Victorian or Edwardian period), a time when revival styles were highly popular for desk accessories.

Description of the Neoclassical Urn Inkwell

• Overall Composition: The inkwell features a heavy, stepped base supporting a central, decorative urn-shaped ink reservoir.
• Base: The stand is a stepped, square base made of green marble.
• Inkwell Body: The main reservoir housing is shaped like a classical urn or vase and is made of brass.
• Lid and Finial: The domed lid is hinged and is topped with a distinct pineapple finial, a classical symbol of hospitality, prosperity, and welcome.
• Ink Reservoir: Inside the brass urn is a removable ceramic insert.

Decoration and Style

The design is deeply rooted in Neoclassicism, which draws inspiration from 18th-century English and French decorative arts.

• Garlands: The upper part of the urn is decorated with fine, relief-cast draped floral garlands or swags, a hallmark of the Neoclassical style.
• Cartouche: The center of the urn features a prominent oval cartouche (a shield or scroll-like frame), which in this piece is left plain, perhaps originally intended for a monogram or engraved crest.
• Fluting: The lower body of the urn exhibits fluted detailing (vertical channels), which provides a strong architectural element and visual texture.

Dating and Origin

• Date: The piece most likely dates from the late 19th Century (c. 1880) to the early 20th Century (c. 1910). While the style is historical (Neoclassical), the production method of casting and combining brass with marble was typical for desk sets of the Victorian/Edwardian era.
• Origin: Given the finding location in England and the style, it could have been manufactured by a British metalware company. However, similar decorative marble and brass wares were also produced extensively in France, Germany, and Italy for the international market, making a specific country of origin difficult to pin down without manufacturer’s marks.