Sorrento Ware Inkwell
Sorrento Ware Inkwell
83259
An olive and other woods inlaid Sorrento Ware Inkwell.
The inkwell is designed as a row of 5 volumes with another book both above and below. The book above forms the inwell's lid. Sliding the spines of the 5 volumes to the right lines up a hole to allow the screw head pin to the underside of the top to lift up and open. The interior is fitted with a tin cased inkwell with a lid held by a sprung catch. The underside of this lid has a sprung pad that pushes down on the glass inkwell's neck to seal it.
The top of the inkwell is inlaid with a flying swallow with further black ink decoration which is also used to number the books etc.
Sorrento has a rich history of making marquetry items both large and small for the visitors to the Italian coastal town. This inkwell was probably purchased as a souvenir either side of 1900 and brought home to Britain. Circa 1900.
Dimensions:
Circa 1900
Olive and other woods. Tin and glass.
Italy
Rubbed out ink name to the underside
Sorrento Ware
Good although the over hanging edge to the base book has broken off. Other minor chips.
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