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Blown glass, molded inkwell with attached lid, iridescent

Artist Unknown

Artwork Details

Blown glass, molded inkwell with attached lid, iridescent
1875-1975
Artist Unknown
glass, metal
4 3/8 x 2 13/16 x 2 13/16 in. (11.11 x 7.14 x 7.14 cm)
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
2010/1.225

On Display

Not currently on display

Description

Subject Matter:

As with most objects of daily use, inkwells could be modest and utilitarian or more fanciful, the latter employing lavish use of precious materials to reflect and enhance the status of the possessor. Inkwells in the UMMA collections demonstrate a rich variety of materials, including silver, crystal, ceramic, and metal. Some pre-date the emergence of the fountain pen, and many mark the transition from a quill or nib pen to the convenience of the pocket pen commonly found today. Inkwells are avidly collected by those who value the artistry that went into the creation of a beautiful object for everyday life.

Physical Description:

Clear glass inkwell with a metal collar with some iridescence. The bottle is pear-shaped with vertical segments that are bulbous at the base and resemble flowing water. The hollow glass cap has this bulbous pattern that rises to a pointed top.

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.