Fire polished cut crystal inkwell with rounded corners with sterling silver lid
Artist Unknown
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:
Cut crystal inkwell with a sterling silver collar and cap. It has a square shape with smooth rounded edges at the top and a geometric cut design on the bottom; The well for ink is visible like a bubble in the interior. The round shaped lid has leaf-motifs.
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.