Damaged Double Inkwell

An ornate Victorian/Edwardian brass or bronze double inkwell stand with damage.

Inkwells were essential desk accessories for writers and scholars before the advent of ballpoint pens and computers. They held liquid ink, which was then applied to a quill or dip pen. Ornate inkwells, often made of precious metals or finely crafted base metals, were also status symbols, reflecting the owner's taste and wealth.

This particular style of double inkwell stand, with its elaborate decorative elements, is typical of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. These periods saw a surge in decorative arts, with manufacturers producing items that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, often incorporating classical motifs and intricate metalwork. Such pieces were common in well-appointed studies and offices.

• Period: Late 19th Century
• Origin: European, likely Britain