Inkstand

18th century

Not on view

Known in the eighteenth century as “ink standishes,” inkstands were a common desk accessory. This example features a compartment for a glass inkpot with a bell cover and four spaces for quills, which were frequently made from goose feathers. The two drawers beneath provided storage for seals and pounce, a dry substance used for drying ink and preparing paper. This inkstand was designed to contain all of the necessary tools for writing, which made it easily transportable. A rare survival in pewter, it is unusual for its compact design and cube shape.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Inkstand
Date: 18th century
Culture: British
Medium: Pewter, glass
Dimensions: Overall: 3 3/4 × 3 3/8 × 2 7/8 in. (9.5 × 8.6 × 7.3 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Pewter
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
Object Number: 14.91.4a–c
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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