Inkwell

Date1767 (dated)

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft / delftware)

DimensionsOL: 4 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1990-153

DescriptionBrick-shaped container with sides overlapping the ends and top divided into an open section and a closed section with five holes. Bluish tin glaze decorated in blue; on one side, a cartouche consisting of a cherub's head, flowers, scrolls, and grapes inscribed "Henry Wigglesworth 1767"; on the other side and on the ends, houses in a wooded landscape.Label TextA handled cup made en suite with this inkstand is inscribed "A. Wigglesworth" instead of "Henry Wigglesworth," but it has the same date and cartouche (see CWF accession 1990-152). These may have been presentation pieces given to Henry and his wife. The piece is unusual because unlike other recorded inkstands it is not symmetrical. The small holes on the right presumably were designed to hold the quills and the large opening on the left was to hold either an inkwell or the ink itself.Inscription(s)"Henry Wigglesworth 1767"Mark(s)NoProvenanceJ. M. Furniss
Thomas Burn of Rous Lench
Jonathan Horne Antiques, Ltd. London