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Europe » Antique Wooden Inkwell
Ref: 2238
A nice bit of treen here from the remote and isolated mountains of Eastern Europe, a wooden inkwell, carved from block of hardwood, inscribed to the underside in nicely ancient looking and florid script, "R I 81" which ones guess would be 1881 though might also be 1781. On the top there is typical Carpathian scratch carving, a cross hatching similar to that seen on ancient coffers, resembling stylised pine trees.
The "wolf′s tooth" carving to the front is also typical of Romanian folk art and the wood is of a type seen before on blacksmiths′ tables and the like and has a rich colour and is especially tightly grained.
Where this came and when it was made not many would write or have the need to do so and one imagines this small but atmospheric item was carved out with pride and treasured.
Carpathian Mountains c.1880
H: 8cm (3.1in)
W: 15cm (5.9in)
D: 10cm (3.9in)
£120
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