Unlike the disposable ballpoints we are used to today, in the first half of the 20th century a fountain pen was a truly precious possession - and often one that had been passed down through the generations. "You can add a personal flourish to your letters y using inks in vibrant purples, reds or turquoises," suggests Amaya Cerdeirina, fountain pen expert and owner of Penfriend in London' s Mayfair. But the main role in this article plays inkstand, the most beautiful and desirable item on any writing desk.
Below is inkstand of superb quality, by reknowned maker George Fox. Both the inkwells and borders are pierced with an attractive design, and are adorned with 8 classical lion faces, 4 on each corner and 4 (with rings in mouth) around the inkwells. The stand also has a beaded border and bun feet. The lids, which are both individually hallmarked, have rose finials. The glass inkwells fit snugly into their holders.
A delightful 19th century continental double porcelain ink stand (picture below) which has been painted with exotic birds and roses on a gilded ground. The removable ink wells have conical covers. 9.25 inches in length.
A Louis Philippe period rectangular inkwell (c1840) in gilded and patinated bronze with two ink buckets and one sand bucket decorated with lilies, four pen holder and a concave receptacle. It rests on four square feet. The periphery of this inkwell is decorated with neo-Gothic arches and quatrefoil motifs reminiscent of stained glass cathedrals windows. The bottom is engraved with crowns that alternates with a knight's armor on all four sides. The execution of the carving is very fine in quality.
In the picture below is unusual stunning Arts & Crafts Benham & Froud double inkstand in brass with copper overlaid leaves and foliate decoration. Would unscrew to clean. No mark visible but could well be one under inkwells. A fabulous addition to any desk.
A very rare porcelain Spode basket-shaped inkstand (19th century) with central loop handle, fitted with two inkwells, covers and liners, the basket with moulded sides, finely painted in coloured enamels with figures and buildings in landscapes, alternating with sprays of flowers within oval gilt cartouches on a pale green ground, the top unusually painted with gilt arrows.
Below is inkstand of superb quality, by reknowned maker George Fox. Both the inkwells and borders are pierced with an attractive design, and are adorned with 8 classical lion faces, 4 on each corner and 4 (with rings in mouth) around the inkwells. The stand also has a beaded border and bun feet. The lids, which are both individually hallmarked, have rose finials. The glass inkwells fit snugly into their holders.
A delightful 19th century continental double porcelain ink stand (picture below) which has been painted with exotic birds and roses on a gilded ground. The removable ink wells have conical covers. 9.25 inches in length.
A Louis Philippe period rectangular inkwell (c1840) in gilded and patinated bronze with two ink buckets and one sand bucket decorated with lilies, four pen holder and a concave receptacle. It rests on four square feet. The periphery of this inkwell is decorated with neo-Gothic arches and quatrefoil motifs reminiscent of stained glass cathedrals windows. The bottom is engraved with crowns that alternates with a knight's armor on all four sides. The execution of the carving is very fine in quality.
In the picture below is unusual stunning Arts & Crafts Benham & Froud double inkstand in brass with copper overlaid leaves and foliate decoration. Would unscrew to clean. No mark visible but could well be one under inkwells. A fabulous addition to any desk.
A very rare porcelain Spode basket-shaped inkstand (19th century) with central loop handle, fitted with two inkwells, covers and liners, the basket with moulded sides, finely painted in coloured enamels with figures and buildings in landscapes, alternating with sprays of flowers within oval gilt cartouches on a pale green ground, the top unusually painted with gilt arrows.
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