“Ye Olde Copper Shoppe” Inkwell

This Arts & Crafts style copper inkwell is characterized by its robust construction and decorative hammered finish.

Here’s a detailed description:

• Material and Construction: The inkwell is made entirely of copper, showcasing the warm, reddish-brown patina characteristic of aged copper. Its construction highlights the Arts & Crafts emphasis on visible craftsmanship.
• Shape and Form: It has a pyramidal shape, with a narrower, square top section that tapers down to a wider, square base.
• Hammered Finish: The surfaces of the inkwell exhibit a prominent hammered texture which is a hallmark of the Arts & Crafts movement’s appreciation for handcrafted objects. This hammering creates subtle undulations across the copper.
• Radial Hammering on Edges: A decorative feature is the radial hammering that outlines the edges of both the base and the lid. This creates a textured border of radiating lines, enhancing the artisanal feel.
• Lid and Handle: The lid sits neatly atop the main body. It features a stylized finger handle positioned towards the front edge, making it easy to lift. The back of the lid is designed with an angle that allows it to vertically stop when opened.
• Markings: The inkwell is marked underneath with “HAND WROT BY FRED BROSI – YE OLDE COPPER SHOPPE – SAN FRANCISCO”.

History and Information about Fred Brosi and “Ye Olde Copper Shoppe”

The marking provides direct insight into the origin of this Arts & Crafts piece:

• Fred Brosi (1874-1960): Fred Brosi was a significant figure in the American Arts & Crafts movement, particularly on the West Coast. He was known for his exceptional skill in copper and metalwork. Brosi trained as a coppersmith in Switzerland before immigrating to the United States. He settled in San Francisco, which became a thriving center for the Arts & Crafts movement in the early 20th century.
• “Ye Olde Copper Shoppe”: This was the name of Fred Brosi’s workshop and retail establishment in San Francisco, California. He opened the shop around 1908 (shortly after the 1906 earthquake, which spurred much rebuilding and artisanal activity in the city).
  • The name itself, “Ye Olde Copper Shoppe,” reflects the Arts & Crafts movement’s nostalgic embrace of traditional craftsmanship and a romanticized view of pre-industrial guilds and workshops.
  • Brosi produced a wide range of copper items, including lamps, desk accessories (like this inkwell), vases, and decorative pieces, all characterized by hand-hammered surfaces and an emphasis on the inherent beauty of the material. His work is highly regarded by collectors of American Arts & Crafts metalware.
  • The “HAND WROT” (hand wrought) part of the mark directly emphasizes the handmade nature of his products, a core tenet of the Arts & Crafts philosophy.