Accession Number2010/1.234
TitleIridescent round ball corner ink well with lid
Artist(s)Artist UnknownObject Creation Date1875-1975Medium & Supportglass, metalDimensions 3 9/16 in. x 3 1/8 in. x 3 1/8 in. ( 9 cm x 8 cm x 8 cm )
Credit LineGift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his familySubject matterAs 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 DescriptionThis is a clear glass inkwell with a dark metal lid. The body is composed of a large sphere balanced on three smaller spheres. It has a circular top with a flat lid.
Primary Object Classification Decorative Arts Primary Object TypeglassRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
glass (material)
spheres (geometric figures)