Square glass inkwell with beveled corners, faceted shoulders and an octagonal stopper that fits into a stand shaped as a circular, rigid, hand-held fan on four disc feet, the handle oxidized and fan gold washed. Stand has a central square opening and is chased with an asymmetrical Japanesque design featuring a diagonal wrigglework band of semicircles and a curving plant to right. Two cast moths or butterflies attached near handle form a pen holder. Stand underside is struck with an incuse circular mark containing a pointed shield with balanced scales above a crosslet, all bordered by "▪ MERIDEN ▪ / B. COMPANY" in sans serif letters; the number "30" is below.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.