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Overview
An antique Anglo-Indian wooden inkstand decorated with carved bovine bone. The tray is laid out in three sections: an open stationery well at the back, a middle row of three round dished wells separated by two pierced bone rosettes, and a long scooped pen tray at the front. Each section is framed by bone strips engraved with a black-filled braided border. The four shaped corners carry pierced, scrolling bone mounts, and small bone clasps with domed bone pins run around the outer frame. The wood has a warm reddish-brown tone and an aged surface. It suits a writing desk, library table or bookshelf, and the wells and tray still work well for pens, clips and small desk items.
Background
Bone-decorated woodwork was made in India for European and local buyers through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and desk inkstands with wells for ink bottles were a common form. This piece is unmarked and dates to about 1890-1920. The base is a framed panel covered in plum-purple velvet to protect the desk surface, and the corner blocks have small holes underneath. The glass ink bottles are no longer present.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with no major losses to the bone decoration. There is a split across the back panel of the stationery well, and a split in the base panel that shows as a line through the velvet underneath. The pen tray has dark stains, the corner blocks have dark spots, and the bone has light wear and discoloration in places. The velvet is worn and faded. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
It measures 1.8 x 13.7 x 10.4 inches (H x W x D) and weighs about 3 lb 2 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
